His concern for the shrines arose because he knew that the marbles and decorations could be used to pay debts or used for the liberation of the kings. Therefore, Abbot Samson built a canopy above the shrine of St Edmund "so that his work of art would be put in a position from which it could be in no circumstance be taken down, and where no man dare lay a hand on it" (86). His plan was seen successful when king Richard was imprisoned in Germany and England was stripped off its possessions to pay for his ransom.
St Edmund's signs and appearances on dreams are a reminder of his presence in the monastery. People in the community and the monks themselves, view St Edmund as their protector and their guide to the right paths. Therefore, people constantly try to please him in order to keep him happy. The monks believed that through signs, St Edmund could communicate and express his emotions. Such was the case when there was a fire at St Edmunds shrine that was apparently due to the monks carelessness. The fire destroyed virtually everything it touched except for "the garden Majesty on the front shrine- which " remained stable and intact and was more beautiful after the fire than before- (95). St Edmunds cup also remained untouched. It somehow fell wrapped in a linen cloth that was also burnt by the fire. This event led people to recognize and remember St Edmund's holiness. However, Abbot Samson believed that the fire occurred because of their sins and their constant complaints against the food and drinks that were provided for them. Thus, giving the monks a reason to donate money for the restoration of the shrine of St Edmund. Abbot Samson wanted to ensure that the shrine was rightly protected so that this incidence would not occur again. Moreover, there were other occurrences that were subject to interpretation. These interpretations, consequently, brought an urge for a change that would benefit the community.
