Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHO WAS ST DAVID?
St David (Dewi Sant) is the only truly native patron saint of his country in the British Isles. He was born in the
6th century on a clifftop near present-day St Davids. Like many young men of noble birth, David was educated
by monks and went on to found churches across South and East Wales. In company with Saints Teilo and Padarn
he made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, eventually returning to West Wales. Fellow churchmen acclaimed his
spiritual stature when he preached at the Synod of Brefi (Ceredigion). The ground rose under him and a dove,
representing the Holy Spirit, landed on his shoulder. He performed many miracles of healing.
David established his monastery beside Pembrokeshire's River Alyn, where the cathedral now stands. His
claim to the site was disputed by Boia, a local chieftain, whose scheming wife made her maidens dance naked in
the river to tempt the monks. But David and his fellow monks led a spartan life dedicated to manual labour, care
for the poor and prayer. He subdued the appetites of the flesh by standing up to his neck in cold water and reciting
the psalms.
David died on 1 March, in the late 6th century. In 1123, Pope Callistus II recognised his sainthood and he has
since become a focus for Welsh identity.
Nona Rees is the author of St David of Dewisland
Search WWH ::




Custom Search