St David of Wales
The popular monk was elected as bishop of Menevia in Wales in 550.
550-589
Sub-Roman Britain 410-?600
The popular monk was elected as bishop of Menevia in Wales in 550.
550-589
Sub-Roman Britain 410-?600
St David is the Patron Saint of Wales. His life shows just how closely connected the churches of Britain were to those of the Mediterranean world, even before the arrival of St Augustine of Canterbury in 597.
DEWI Sant, as the Welsh call him, was a Christian monk who founded twelve new monasteries in the largely pagan society of Brittany (in northern France), the West Country, and Wales.
David lived as his monks did, drinking only water, and eating only bread, herbs and vegetables. He would often stand neck-deep in lake-water, reciting the Scriptures. The poor were cared for, and all things were shared in common. A popular choice as Bishop of Menevia at the Synod of Brevi in 550, his appointment was later confirmed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
After a long and selfless life, David died on 1st March 589, and was buried in his monastery and cathedral church at St David’s in Pembrokeshire.
It was David who reputedly advised Welsh soldiers to wear leeks in their hats so they could recognise each other on the battlefield, and together with the daffodil the leek has become a national emblem of Wales.