List of Welsh saints
This list of Welsh saints includes Christian saints with Welsh connections, either because they were of Welsh origin and ethnicity or because they travelled to Wales from their own homeland and became noted in their hagiography for their work there.[1]
The pagan Celts of Britain had already been extensively Christianized during the Roman period: although only four victims of Diocletian's persecution are now known (Saints Alban, "Amphibalus", and Julius and Aaron),[2] Britons met the pagan Saxon invaders largely as Christians prior to being driven back to Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany. The family of Vortigern, which continued to hold Powys in the early medieval period, produced numerous saints. Although they largely refrained from missionizing among the Germans, Welsh refugees and missionaries were responsible for the Christianization of Ireland[3] and Brittany.[4]
The title of "saint" was used quite broadly in the Celtic churches. Extreme cases are Irish accounts of Gerald of Mayo's presiding over 3300 "saints" and Welsh claims that Bardsey held the remains of 20 000.[6] More often, the title was given to the founder of any ecclesiastical settlement, which would thenceforth be known as their llan. Such communities were organized on tribal models: founding saints were almost invariably lesser members of local dynasties and their successors chosen from among their kin. The golden age of such establishments was the 6th century, when the "Three Saintly Families of Wales"—those of the invading Irish Brychan and Northerners Cunedda and Caw—displaced many of the local Silurian rulers in favor of their families and clans.[7] By some estimates,[8] these traditions produced over 800 pre-congregational saints venerated locally in Wales, but invasions by Saxons, Irishmen, Vikings, Normans, and others destroyed many ecclesiastical records. Similarly, the distance from Rome, suspicion of Celtic Christianity, and the relative disconnect of the local sees from Rome has left only two Welsh saints in the General Roman Calendar: Saints David (Dewi) and Winifred (Gwenffrewi).
List of saints
Name | fl. | Shrine or Associated Church |
Saint's Day (Gŵyl Mabsant) |
Royal origins | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aaron of Aleth | 6th century | Cézembre (Brittany) | 22 June (trad.[9]) | — | Mentor of Saint Malo | |
Aaron of Caerleon | 3rd century 4th century |
Caerleon | 1 July (trad.[10]) 20 June (mod.[11][12]) |
— | Martyred with Saint Julius | |
Adwen or Adwenna |
5th century 6th century |
Advent (Cornwall) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Sometimes conflated with Saint Dwynwen | ||
Aeddan Foeddog or Aidan or Maedoc |
6th century 7th century |
Ferns (Ireland) Enniscorthy (Ireland) |
31 January (trad.[13][14]) | Son of Saint Aneurin, son of Caw[15] | "Aeddan Maedoc"[14] Disciple of Saint David | |
Aelhaiarn or Aelhaearn |
7th century | Guilsfield Llanaelhaearn |
2 November (trad.[16]) | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | Brother of Saints Cynhaiarn and Llwchaiarn Disciple of Saint Bueno | |
Aerdeyrn | 6th century | Llanelldeyrn | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | Brother of Saint Ederyn | ||
Aelrhiw | 9 September (trad.[17]) | |||||
Afan of Builth or Afan Buellt |
6th century | Llanafan Fawr Llanfechan Llanafan |
17 or 16 November (trad.[16]) | Great-grandson of Cunedda Wledig, king of Gwynedd | Bishop and martyr Cousin of Saint David | |
Amphibalus | 3rd century 4th century |
St Albans[18] | 25 June (trad.)[19] | Priest; converted Saint Alban Born in Isca (Caerleon) | ||
Ane | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||||
Saint Armel or Arthfael or Armagilus |
6th century | Plouharnel (Morbihan, Brittany) Saint-Armel (Morbihan, Brittany), Plouarzel, (Finistère, Brittany). |
16 August | Son of Hoel, king of Brittany | ||
Asaph | 6th century | St Asaph | 1 May (trad.[20]) 5 or 11 May |
Bishop | ||
Bach | 7th century | Eglwys Fach[22] | Hermit Probably spurious[21] | |||
Baglan | 6th century | Baglan | Son of Ithel Hael, prince of Armorica | |||
Baglan | 7th century | Llanfaglan | Son of Dingad | |||
Baruc or Barruc |
6th century | 27 September or 29 November (trad.[17][16]) | ||||
Beuno or Bono |
7th century | Clynnog Fawr | 21 or 22 April (trad.[23]) | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | Abbot Uncle of Saint Winifred | |
Bidofydd | 26 April (trad.[23]) | With Saint Fidalis | ||||
Bieuzi | 6th century | 24 November | Disciple of Gildas | |||
Bleddyn or Bleiddian or Lupus |
29 July (trad.[24]) | Bishop | ||||
Bodfan | 2 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Brannoc or Brannock |
6th century | Braunton | 7 January or 26 June | |||
Brioc | 5th century | Founder saint of Brittany | ||||
Brothen | Llanfrothen | 15 or 14 October (trad.[17]) | ||||
Brychan Brycheiniog | 5th century | King of Brycheiniog | Venerated in his generation but of disputed status now. Husband of Prawst In Wales, considered the father of Dwynwen; in Cornwall, considered the father of Adwen. | |||
Brynach or Byrnach |
7 April (trad.[23]) | Abbot The translation of his relics was sometimes celebrated separately on 26 June.[20] |
||||
Buan | 4 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Bugi or Beugi or Bywgi or Hywgi |
6th century | Son of Gwynllyw, king of Gwynllwg | Father of Beuno and brother of Cadoc[26] | |||
Cadfan | 6th century | Llangadfan | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Grandson of Budic II of Brittany | Founding abbot of Tywyn and Bardsey abbeys | |
Cadfarch | 24 October (trad.[17]) | |||||
Cadoc or Catwg |
5th century | Caerleon | 24 January (trad.[13]) | Abbot of Llancarfan | ||
Cadwaladr Fendigaid or Cadwalader |
7th century | Llangadwaladr Llangadwaladr |
12 November (trad.[16]) | Son of Cadwallon, king of Gwynedd | "Cadwalader the Blessed" King of Gwynedd | |
Caffo | 6th century | Llangaffo | Child of King Caw of Strathclyde | |||
Caian | Tregaian | 25 September (trad.[17]) | ||||
Saint Cain or Keyne or Ceinwen |
5th century | Cerrigceinwen Llangeinwen |
8 October (trad.[17]) | Child of King Caw of Strathclyde | Chiefly worked in Cornwall | |
Callwen | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Virgin | ||||
Cammarch | 8 October (trad.[17]) | |||||
Caradog or Caradoc |
12th century | Lawrenny | 13 April (trad.[23]) | Noble of Brecknockshire | Hermit | |
Carannog or Carantoc |
6th century | Llangrannog Crantock (Cornwall) |
15, 16, 17 May, or 15 Jan (trad.[20][13][28]) | Great-grandson of Ceredig, king of Ceredigion | ||
Caron | Possibly 3rd century | Tregaron | 5 March (trad.[23]) | Possibly the same as Carausius (Roman name). However, Baring-Gould associates him with Ciaran[29] | Bishop or King | |
Cathan or Cathen |
St Cathan's Chapel Colonsay & Luing Gigha |
17 May (trad.[20]) | ||||
Cedol | 1 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Ceidio | Child of King Caw of Strathclyde | |||||
Ceitho | 5 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Celynin | 6th century | Llangelynnin | 20 November (trad.[16]) | Son of Prince Helig | ||
Ceneu | Clydau | 15 June (trad.[20]) | Son of Corun | Bishop of St David's | ||
Cenydd or Cennydd or Kenneth |
6th century | Llangennith Languidic (Brittany) |
5 July | Son of "King Dihoc" (presumably Deroch II of Domnonée) |
||
Cennych | 6th century | Llangennych | ||||
Cewydd | 5th century | Aberedw Lancaut Laleston |
1, 2 or 15 July (trad.[24]) | Child of King Caw of Strathclyde | ||
Cian | 6th century | Llangian | 11 December (trad.[30]) | |||
Cieran or Ciarán of Saigir or Kieran |
5th century 6th century |
Saighir (Ireland) | 5 March (trad.[23]) | Son of Lugna, a noble of the Osraige | An apostle of Ireland Bishop of Saighir | |
Ciwa or Cigwa or Kywa or Kew |
St Kew (Cornwall)[31] | 6 or 8 February[13][32] (trad.) | Virgin; sister of St Docco | |||
Clydai | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Virgin | ||||
Clydog or Clintacus |
19 August or 3 Nov (trad.[25][16]) | King | ||||
Clydwyn or Cledwyn |
6th century | Penmachno (formerly) | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Son of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | King | |
Clydyn or Clydau |
3 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Collen | 7th century | Llangollen Langolen (France) |
21 or 22 May (trad.[20]) | |||
Colman | ||||||
Corentin | 5th century | First bishop of Quimper | ||||
Cowdra or Cawrdaf |
5 December or 21 Feb (trad.[13][30]) | King | ||||
Creirwy | 5th century | Great-granddaughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | ||||
Cristiolus | 3 December (trad.[16]) | |||||
Cubert see Gwbert | 8th century | |||||
Curig | 6th century 7th century |
16 or 15 June (trad.[20]) | Martyr Celebrated with St Julitta | |||
Cwyfen | 3 or 2 or 4 June (trad.[20]) | |||||
Cwyllog | 6th century | Llangwyllog | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Cybi | 6th century | 5, 6 or 7 November, or 13 Aug (trad.[16][25]) | Abbot Descended from both Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno, & Brychan, king of Brycheiniog |
|||
Cyllin | 1st century | Son of Caratacus | King of Siluria Father of King Coel | |||
Cynbryd | 19 or 20 March (trad.[23]) | Martyr | ||||
Cynddilig | 1 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Cyndeyrn or Kentigern or Mungo |
6th century 7th century |
Glasgow | 13 January or 25 Jul (trad.[13][24]) | Son of Owain, king of Rheged, and Saint Teneu | Bishop of St Asaph, Hoddom, & Glasgow | |
Cynfab | 15 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Cynfarch | Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd | 8 September (trad.[17]) | ||||
Cynfarwy | 7th century | Llechgynfarwy | 8, 10 or 11 November (trad.[16]) | |||
Cyngar or Congar |
6th century | Holyhead Llangefni |
7 November (trad.[16]) 13 February |
Child of Gerren Llyngesog of Dumnonia | Abbot | |
Cynhafal | 5 October (trad.[17]) | |||||
Cynidr | 7th century | Glasbury | 8 December (trad.[30]) | Grandson of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Bishop Son of Saint Gwladys and brother of Saint Eigon | |
Cynllo | 5th century 6th century |
Llangoedmor | 17 or 14 July or 8 Aug (trad.[24][25]) | Grandson of King Coel | King | |
Cynog | 14 or 8 March or 9 Oct (trad.[23][17]) | Martyr | ||||
Cywair | 11 July (trad.[24]) | |||||
Cynwyl | Cynwyl Elfed Cynwyl Gaeo |
30 April (trad.[23]) | Descended from Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
David or Dewi Sant |
6th century | St David's | 1 March (trad.[23]) | Great-grandson of Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno, & of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Patron Saint of Wales | |
Decuman or Degyman |
7th century | Watchet (England) Williton (England) |
27 or 30 August (trad.[25]) 27 February |
Martyr | ||
Deifer or Dier |
8 March (trad.[23]) | |||||
Deiniol or Daniel |
6th century | Bangor | 11 September or 10 Dec (trad.[17][30]) | Bishop | ||
Deiniolen | 22 or 23 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Derfel Gadarn | 6th century | Llandderfel | 5 May (trad.[20]) | |||
Deruvian or Duvian or Damian |
2nd century | Merthyr Dyfan (mistakenly) Llandyfan (mistakenly) |
24 May (trad.[20]) | Bishop & Confessor Usually celebrated with St Fagan, with whom he supposedly evangelized Roman Britain at King Lucius's request Often (mistakenly) conflated with St Dyfan on the authority of Williams | ||
Digain | 21 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Dilwar | 4 February (trad.[13]) | Virgin | ||||
Dingad | 5th century | Llandovery | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Son of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | ||
Diryng | 5th century | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||||
Dochelin | 8 July (trad.[24]) | |||||
Dochau or Dochow or Dochwy or Dogwyn or Docco |
5th century | Llandough, Cowbridge Llandough, Penarth St Kew (Cornwall)[33] |
15 February (trad.[13]) | |||
Dogfael | 31 October or 14 Jun (trad.[17][20]) | |||||
Dogfan or Doewan |
5th century | 13 or 12 July (trad.[24]) | Son of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Martyr | ||
Dominica | 8th century | 8 May | ||||
Dona or Dwna |
Llandona | 1 November (trad.[16]) | ||||
Dubhán |
5th century | St Dubhán's Church, Hook Head (Ireland) | ||||
Dunod or Dunawd |
6th century 7th century |
7 September (trad.[17]) | Abbot | |||
Dwynwen or Dweynween |
5th century | 25 January or 13 Jul (trad.[13][24]) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Virgin | ||
Dwywe | 6th century | |||||
Dyfan | Merthyr Dyfan Llandyfan |
24 May (trad.[20]) | Highly obscure Presumably martyred Generally confused with St Deruvian | |||
Dyfnan | 5th century | Llanddyfnan | 22 or 24 April (trad.[23]) 26 May |
Alleged son of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | ||
Dyfnog | Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch | 13 February (trad.[13]) | ||||
Dyfodwg | 6th century | Llantrisant | 25 June | |||
Dyfrig or Dubricius |
5th century 6th century |
14 November (trad.[16]) | Abbot The translation of his relics was sometimes separately celebrated on 29 May.[20] | |||
Edeyrn or Edern |
6th century | Llanedeyrn | 11 November or 6 Jan (trad.[16][13]) | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | ||
Edwen | 6 November (trad.[16]) | Virgin | ||||
Egwad | 7th century | Llangwad Llanfynydd |
||||
Eigen | 1st century | Llanigon | ||||
Eigion | 10 September (trad.[17]) | Bishop | ||||
Eigon | 7th century | Llanigon | Grandson of Brychan Brycheiniog | Son of Saint Gwladys, brother of Saint Cynidr | ||
Eigrad | 6th century | Llaneugrad | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Eigron | 5th century | Llanigon (Cornwall) |
Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Eilian | 6th century | Llaneilian | 13 January (Orth.) | A Roman who emigrated to Anglesey to live as a hermit | ||
Eirw | 5th century 6th century |
Eglwyswrw | [34] | Female saint | ||
Einion Frenin | 5th century 6th century |
Llanengan | 9 or 10 February (trad.[13]) | Descendant of Cunedda, king of Gwynedd | "Einion the King": King of Llyn (& possibly Anglesey) Brother of Saints Meirion and Seiriol | |
Elaeth or Eleth |
6th century | Amlwch | 10 or 11 November (trad.[16]) | King of a realm in northern Britain who fled to Wales | ||
Elen | 4th century | Daughter of Eudaf Hen | Wife of Magnus Clemens Maximus Married into the family of Brychan | |||
Elfan | 26 September (trad.[17]) | |||||
Elfin | Warrington (England) | |||||
Elian or Elien |
5th century | Llanelian | 13 January (trad.[13]) | |||
Elledeyrn | 4th century | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | ||||
Elli | 6th century | Llanelli | 23 January (trad.[13]) | Abbot | ||
Saint Eluned or Eiliwedd or Almedha |
5th century | Slwch Tump | 1 August (trad.[25]) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Martyr and virgin | |
Elvis of Eilfyw or Ailbe |
6th century | St Elvis | ||||
Elwad | 22 March (trad.[23]) | |||||
Elyw or Eliw |
14 or 17 July (trad.[23]) | |||||
Endelienta or Endellion |
5th century 6th century |
Church of St Endelienta, St Endellion (Cornwall) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Enoder | St Enoder (Cornwall) | |||||
Enodoch | 6th century | 7 March | ||||
Erbin | 5th century | 29 May or 13 Jan (trad.[13][20]) | King of Dumnonia | |||
Erfyl or Urfyl |
Llanerfyl | 6 July (trad.[24]) | ||||
Eugrad | 6th century | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||||
Eurgain | 29 June (trad.[20]) | |||||
Ewryd | 31 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Fagan or Ffagan or Fugatius |
2nd century | St Fagans | 24 May or 8 Aug (trad.[20][25]) 26 May |
Bishop & Confessor Usually celebrated with St Deruvian, with whom he supposedly evangelized Roman Britain at King Lucius's request Often (mistakenly) connected with St Dyfan on the authority of Williams | ||
Ffinian or Finian |
5th century | 23 February | ||||
Ffraid or Bridget or Bride or Bhrid |
5th century 6th century |
Llansantffraed Llansantffraid Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain |
1 February (trad.[13]) | Irish patron saint. Nun and abbess. | ||
Fidalis | 26 April (trad.[23]) | With Saint Bidofydd | ||||
Finan of Ffinan |
6th century | 17 or 13 February or 11 Dec (trad.[13][30]) 18 March |
Bishop | |||
Flewyn or Fflewin or Fflewyn |
6th century | Llanfflewin | 12 December (trad.[30]) | Son of Ithel Hael | ||
Foeddog or Maeddog or Maedoc |
6th century | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||||
Gafran | 6th century | [35] | Son-in-law of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Gallgo | 27 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Gallo | 5th century | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||||
Garmon or Germanus of Auxerre |
4th century | Llanarmon-yn-Iâl | 31, 13, 14 or 30 July, or 1 Oct or 27 or 28 May (trad.[24][17][20]) | Bishop Credited with leading an army of Britons against invading Picts | ||
Gelert | 7th century | Llangeler Beddgelert |
29 June | |||
Gildas or Aneurin | c. 500–570 | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde. | Possibly the poet Aneirin. Credited in Wales as the father of Saint Aeddan[14]| | |||
Gistilian or Gistlian |
2 or 4 March (trad.[23]) | Bishop | ||||
Gofor | 9 May (trad.[20]) | |||||
Gollen or Colin |
Llangollen | |||||
Govan | 6th century | St. Govan's Head | ||||
Gredifael | 6th century | Penmynydd | 13 or 22 November (trad.[16]) | Son of Ithel Hael | ||
Grwst | 1 December (trad.[30]) | |||||
Guirec | 6th century | Perros-Guirec | ||||
Gurthiern | 5th century | Quimperlé | 3 July | Cousin of Vortigern, king of Britain | ||
Gwbert | 8th century | Gwbert-on-Sea | 4 October (trad.) | Venerated also at Cubert, Cornwall; Cubert is said to have been a monk who came from Wales and assisted Carantoc in evangelizing that district; later returned to his monastery and became abbot and died in 775 AD; feast at Cubert is on Sunday following 4 Oct.[36][37][38] | ||
Gwen or Wenna |
5th century | Wife of Salomon of Cornwall Mother of Saint Cybi & aunt of Saint David | ||||
Gwenafwy | 6th century | 1 July | Daughter of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Gwenfaen | 3, 4 or 5 November (trad.[16]) | Virgin | ||||
Gwenfyl | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Virgin | ||||
Gwynhoedl | 1 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Gwenllian | 5th century | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Great-grandmother of Saints Deinol and Cynwl | |||
Gwenlleu | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Bishop | ||||
Gwenllwyfo | 7th century | Llanwenllwyfo | ||||
Gwenog | 3 January (trad.[13]) | Virgin | ||||
Gwenrhiw | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Virgin | ||||
Gwladys | 6th century | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Queen of Gwynllyw Mother of saints Cynidr and Eigon | |||
Gwrda | 5 December (trad.[30]) | |||||
Gwrddelw | Llanddewi Brefi | 7 January (trad.[13]) | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Gwrfyw | Bangor (formerly) | Son of Pasgen | ||||
Gwrhai | 5th century | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||||
Gwrnerth | 7 April (trad.[23]) | With Saint Llywelyn | ||||
Gwrthwl or Mwthwl |
2 March (trad.[23]) | |||||
Gwyrd | 1 November (trad.[16]) | Friar | ||||
Gwyddelan | 22 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Gwyddfarch | 3 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Gwynan or Gwynen |
13 December (trad.[30]) | Commemorated with Saint Gwynws Conflated with Saint Gwynin | ||||
Gwynin | Dwygyfylchi | 31 December (trad.[30]) | ||||
Gwynllyw Filwr or Gundleus (Eng Woolos or Woolo) |
5th century | Newport Cathedral, St Woolos | 29 or 28 February (trad.[13]) 29 March (mod.) |
King of Gwynllwg | Husband of Gwladys, father of Cadoc and others[39] | |
Gwynno | 6th century | Llantrisant Llanwynno |
26 October | |||
Gwynog | 22, 23 or 24 October (trad.[17]) | Commemorated with Saint Noethon | ||||
Gwynws | 13 December (trad.[30]) | Commemorated with Saint Gwynan | ||||
Henwg | 5th century | Llanhennock | Supposed links to King Arthur and Constantine | |||
Huail | 6th century | Son of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||||
Hychan | 8 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Hywel | 6th century | Llanhywel Llanllowell |
Son of Emyr Llydaw, king of Brittany | King | ||
Idloes | Llanidloes | 6 September (trad.[17]) | ||||
Iestyn | 6th century 7th century |
Llaniestyn Llaniestyn |
||||
Ilar or Hilary |
6th century | Llanilar Trefilan |
13, 14 or 15 January (trad.[13]) | — | Martyr Possibly Bretish companion of Saint Cadfan | |
Ilid | Llanilid | |||||
Illog | 8 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Illtud or Illtyd |
5th century | Llantwit Major | 6 November (trad.) | |||
Ina | 5th century | Llanina | 1 February (trad.[13][40]) | Granddaughter of Cunedda Wledig, king of Gwynedd | ||
Isan | 6th century | Llanishen | Disciple of Saint Illtyd | |||
Isfael or Ismael |
6th century | St Ishmaels | 16 June (trad.[20]) | Son of Budig | Bishop Disciple of Saint David | |
Issel | 6th century | Saundersfoot | Father of Saints Gwen Teirbron and Teilo Grandfather of Euddogwy, Tyfei, Isfael, Gwenthenoc, Jacut, Winwaloe | |||
Issui | 30 October (trad.[17]) | Martyr | ||||
Ithel Hael | 6th century | Prince of Armorica Father of numerous saints | ||||
Jacut | 5th century | Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer | Great-grandson of Brychan Brycheiniog | |||
John Roberts | 1577–1610 | 25 October | Monk and priest Born Trawsfynydd, 1577 Martyred at Tyburn 1610[41] | |||
John Lloyd | ?–1679 | 25 October | Priest and martyr Executed Cardiff, 1679[42] | |||
Julitta | 16 or 15 June (trad.[20]) | Martyr Celebrated with St Curig | ||||
Julius | 4th century | Caerleon | 1 July (trad.[10] 20 June (mod.[11][12]) |
Martyred with Saint Aaron of Caerleon | ||
Justinian or Stinan |
6th century | Llanstinan Saint David's |
5 December (trad.[30]) | |||
Juthwara | 6th century | Sherborne Abbey | Sister of Saints Sidwell and Wulvela | |||
Keina | 7 October (trad.[17]) | Virgin | ||||
Kevoca | ||||||
Llamined Angel | 7th century | Son of Pasgen | Claimed by Venedotian tribes Brother of Saint Gwrfyw | |||
Llawddog or Lleuddad |
15 January (trad.[13]) | Abbot | ||||
Llechid | 6th century | Llanllechid | 1 December (trad.[30]) | Child of Ithel Hael | ||
Llibio | 5th century | 28 February (trad.[13]) | ||||
Llily | 7th century | 3 March | ||||
Llwchaiarn or Lluwchaiarn |
7th century | 12 or 11 January (trad.[13]) | ||||
Llwydian | 19 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Llwni | 11 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Llyr | 21 October (trad.[17]) | Virgin | ||||
Llywelyn | 7 April or 12 Dec (trad.[23][30]) | With Saint Gwrnerth | ||||
Lythan | St Lythans | |||||
Mabyn or Mabena |
5th century | St Mabyn (Cornwall) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Machraith | 1 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Madoc | 7th century | 31 January | ||||
Madron | 6th century | Madron (Cornwall) | 17 May | |||
Madrun or Materiana |
5th century | |||||
Maël | 5th century 6th century |
Corwen | 13 or 12 May (trad.[20]) | Hermit Celebrated with St Sulien | ||
Maelog | 6th century | Llanfaelog | 31 December (trad.[30]) | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||
Maelrhys or Maelrys or Maelerw |
Bardsey Island | 1 January (trad.[13]) | ||||
Maethlu | 26 December (trad.[30]) | |||||
Maidoc | 28 February (trad.[13]) | Bishop Not to be conflated with Aeddan Foeddog of Ferns | ||||
Mallonius | 4th century | Rouen | 22 October | |||
Saint Malo or Machudd or Machutus |
5th century | 15 November (trad.[16]) | Disciple of Saint Aaron | |||
Mannacus | 6th century | |||||
Marnock | 6th century | |||||
Materiana or Madrun or Madryn |
5th century | Minster (Cornwall) | 9 April | Daughter of Saint Vortimer, king of Gwent | ||
Mawgan | 5th century | 8 August | ||||
Mawnan | 7th century | 18 December | ||||
Mechell or Mechyll |
6th century | Llanfechell | 15 or 14 November (trad.[16]) | Possibly Bretish | ||
Meddwid or Moddwid |
27 August (trad.[25]) | |||||
Medwy | 1 January (trad.[13]) | Bishop | ||||
Meilig | 6th century | Llowes | 14 or 12 November (trad.[16]) | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | ||
Meirion or Meirian |
4 February (trad.[13]) | |||||
Melaine | 6th century | St Mellion Mullion |
||||
Melangell or Monacella |
6th century | Pennant Melangell | 27 May or 4 or 31 Jan (trad.[13][20]) | Virgin Abbess | ||
Mellonius | 4th century | 22 October | ||||
Melyd or Melydyn |
9 May (trad.[20]) | |||||
Menefrida | 5th century | St Minver (Cornwall) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Merin or Merryn |
6th century | St Merryn Lanmerin Plomelin |
6 January (trad.[13]) | Child of Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno | ||
Mereweenna | 6th century | 6 July | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Mordeyrn | 25 July (trad.[24]) | |||||
Mylling | 17 June (trad.[20]) | |||||
Mylor or Melor |
6th century | 1 October | ||||
Meugan | 25 or 26 September, 14 Feb, 24 or 15 Apr or 18 Nov (trad.[17][13][23][16]) | |||||
Morhaiarn | 1 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Mwrog | 24 or 26 September (trad.[17]) | |||||
Mynver | 6th century | 4 November | ||||
Nectan | 5th century | Hartland (England) | Eldest son of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Nidan | 7th century | Llanidan | 30 September (trad.[17]) | Grandchild of Pasgen | ||
Noethan or Noethon |
22, 23 or 24 October (trad.[17]) | Commemorated with Saint Gwynog | ||||
Non or Nonita |
5th century | Chapel of St Non Altarnun (Cornwall) |
3 March (trad.[23]) | Great-granddaughter of Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno | Mother of Saint David | |
Noyale | 6th century | 6 July | ||||
Oudoceus | 7th century | Llandaff Llandogo |
2 July (trad.[24]) | Bishop | ||
Pabo Post Prydain | 9 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Padarn | 6th century | Llanbadarn Fawr | 16, 15 or 17 April or 12 Nov (trad.[23][16]) | Founder saint of Brittany Bishop His ordination was also sometimes celebrated as a separate holiday on 23 September.[17] | ||
Padrig or Patrick |
17 March[23] | Patron saint of Ireland Bishop | ||||
Patern | 5th century | Companion of Saint David | ||||
Paulinus | 6th century | Founder saint of Brittany | ||||
Peblig | 5th century | Llanbeblig | 3 or 2 July (trad.[24]) | Son of Magnus Clemens Maximus | Son of Saint Elen Luyddog | |
Pedrog or Petroc or Petrock |
6th century | Bodmin (Cornwall) | 4 June (trad.[20]) | Patron saint of Cornwall Abbot | ||
Peirio | 5th century 6th century |
Rhosbeirio | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Peris | 6th century | Nant Peris | 11 December or 26 Jul (trad.[30][24]) | Child of Helig of Tyno Helig | ||
Peulan | 6th century | Llanbeulan | 2 or 1 November (trad.[16]) | |||
Pol Aurelian | 5th century | Son of Porphyrius | Student of Saint Iltud Bishop | |||
Philip Evans | 1645–1679 | 25 October | Priest and martyr Born Monmouth, 1645 Executed Cardiff, 1679[42] | |||
Polin | 22 November (trad.[16]) | Bishop | ||||
Pyr | 6th century | Caldey Island | ||||
Rhediw | 11 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Rhian | 8 March (trad.[23]) | Bishop | ||||
Rhuddlad | 4 September (trad.[17]) | Virgin | ||||
Rhwydrys | 1 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Rhychwyn | 5th century | Llanrhychwyn | 12 June (trad.[20]) | Brother of Celynin | ||
Sadwrn | 6th century | 29 November (trad.[16]) 25 October |
||||
Saeran | 13 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Samson of Dol | 5th century | |||||
Samson of York | 6th century | 28 July (trad.[24]) | Son of Caw, king of Strathclyde | Bishop | ||
Sannan or Sanan |
13 or 7 June or 8 Mar or 29 Apr (trad.[20][23]) | |||||
Sawyl or Saul |
15 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Sefin | 5th century | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Grandmother of Saints David and Cybi | |||
Seiriol | 6th century | Penmon Puffin Island |
1 February (trad.[13]) | Descended from Cunedda, king of Gwynedd | Brother of Saints Einion Frenin and Meirion Abbot at Penmon | |
Sidwell or Sativola | 6th century | Exeter, Devon | 31 July | Sister of Saints Juthwara and Wulvela | ||
Silin or Giles |
1 September or 1 Oct or 27 Jan (trad.[17][13]) | Abbot or bishop | ||||
Sulien | 2 September (trad.[17]) | |||||
Tanwg | 6th century | Llandanwg | Son of Ithel Hael | |||
Tathan or Tatheus |
6th century | 26 December (trad.[30]) | Abbot Irish missionary to Wales | |||
Tathana | 5th century | Granddaughter of Meuric ap Tewdric of Trebeferad | Associated with Saint Iltud | |||
Tathyw | 5th century | Caerwent St Athan |
||||
Teath | 5th century | St Teath (Cornwall) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Tecwyn or Tegwyn |
6th century | Llandecwyn | 14 September (trad.[17]) | Son of Ithel Hael | ||
Tegai | 6th century | Llandygai | Son of Ithel Hael | |||
Tegfedd or Tegwedd |
6th century | Llandegveth | 18 December (trad.[30]) | Virgin | ||
Tegla or Tecla |
Llandegla | 1 or 3 June or 23 or 24 Sept (trad.[20][17]) | Virgin | |||
Teilo | 6th century | Llantilio Crossenny Llantilio Pertholey Llandeilo Fawr |
9 or 7 February or 26 Nov (trad.[13][16]) | Child of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Bishop | |
Teneu | 6th century | Glasgow | Daughter of Lleuddun, king of Gododdin | Mother of Saint Cyndeyrn Great-grandmother of Saint Winifred | ||
Teulyddog | 6th century | Disciple of Dyfrig | ||||
Teuderius | 29 October (trad.[17]) | |||||
Tewdrig | 6th century | 3 January (trad.[13]) 1 April |
King and martyr | |||
Tigernach | 6th century | 4 April | ||||
Trillo | 6th century | Llandrillo in Denbighshire Llandrillo-yn-Rhos |
15 June (trad.[20]) | Son of Ithel Hael | Disciple of Saint Cadfan | |
Trunio | 29 June (trad.[20]) | |||||
Tudno | 6th century | Llandudno | 5 June (trad.[20]) | Son of Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno | ||
Tudglyd or Tudglud |
6th century | Llandudno Penmachno |
30 May (trad.[20]) | Son of Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno | ||
Tudur | 14 or 15 October (trad.[17]) | |||||
Tudwal | 5th century | Son of Hoel and cousin of the king of Domnonee | Bishop | |||
Twrog | 6th century | Bodwrog Maentwrog Llandwrog |
26 June (trad.[20]) | Son of Ithel Hael | ||
Tybie | 5th century | 30 January (trad.[13]) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Virgin & martyr | ||
Tydecho | Llanymawddwy | 17 December (trad.[30]) | ||||
Tydfil | 5th century | Merthyr Tydfil | 23 August (trad.[25]) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | Virgin & martyr | |
Tyfaelog | 26 February (trad.[13]) | |||||
Tyfanog or Tauannauc |
25 November (trad.[16]) | |||||
Tyfriog | 1 May (trad.[20]) | Abbot | ||||
Tyfrydog | 5th century | Llandyfrydog | 1 January (trad.[13]) | |||
Tygwy | 13 January (trad.[13]) | |||||
Tyneio | 6th century | Llanfor | Child of Seithenyn, king of Gwyddno | |||
Tyrnog | Landerneau (Brittany) | 4 or 2 April or 26 Jun or Sept 25 (trad.[23][20][17]) | ||||
Tysilio or Tyssilio |
7th century | Llandysilio | 8 or 9 November (trad.[16]) | Son of Brochwel Ysgithrog | Bishop | |
Tyssil | 7th century | Llandyssil | ||||
Tyssul | 31 January or 3 Feb (trad.[13]) | Bishop | ||||
Ufelwy | 6th century | Yhuel | Grandson of Gildas | |||
Ulo | Capelulo | |||||
Umbrafel | Son of Emyr Llydaw | |||||
Urw or Wrw |
21 October (trad.[17]) | Virgin | ||||
Ustig | Child of Caw, king of Strathclyde | Associated with Saints Dyfrig and Eldad | ||||
Urith | 8th century | 8 July | ||||
Usyllt | 6th century | Tenby | Descendant of Cunedda, king of Gwynedd | Father of Saint Teilo | ||
Veep | 5th century | St Veep (Cornwall) | Daughter of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | |||
Vortimer or Gwrthefyr Fendigaid |
5th century | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | "Vortimer the Blessed" King of Gwent Father of Madrun | |||
Weneppa | 6th century | Gwennap (Cornwall) | Daughter of Caw, king of Strathclyde | |||
Winfrith | 6th century | Bishop of Lichfield | ||||
Winifred or Gwenfrewi or Gwenffrewi |
7th century | Holywell | 19 or 20 December or 4 Nov (trad.[30][16]) 8 July |
Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | Virgin & martyr Granddaughter of Saint Teneu and niece of Saint Beuno Her decollation was frequently celebrated separately on 22 June.[20] The translation of her relics was frequently celebrated separately on 3 November.[16] | |
Wethenoc | 6th century | Great-grandson of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | ||||
Winwaloe | 6th century | Great-grandson of Brychan, king of Brycheiniog | ||||
Wulvela | 6th century | Sister of Saints Juthwara and Sidwell | ||||
Ylched or Ulched |
Llechylched | 6 January or 9 May (trad.[13][20]) 6 April (Orth.) |
||||
Ystyffan or Stephen |
6th century | Llansteffan | Descendant of Vortigern, king of Britain | Associate of Saint Teilo |
Other commemorations
- 29 May: The translation of Saint Dyfrig[20]
- 6 June: Y Trisaint, the Three Saints[20]
- 22 June: The decollation of Saint Winifred[20]
- 26 June: The translation of Saint Brynach[20]
- 1 or 2 July: Gwyl y Gwlaw[24]
- 9 September: Gwyl y Ddelw Fyw, the Living Image[17]
- 23 September: The ordination of Saint Padarn[17]
- 21 October: Gwyl y Gweryddon, the Eleven Thousand Virgins[17]
- 3 November: The translation of Saint Winifred[16]
- 11 December: Dydd Ilas Llywelyn, the day on which Llywelyn was slain[30]
See also
References
- A small number may have had no Welsh connection in their lifetime but have nonetheless become associated with Wales through the depositing of their relics in Welsh religious houses during the Middle Ages.
- Although note the etiological legend that Lichfield received its name from having been the site of a martyrdom of thousands under Diocletian.
- Baring-Gould (1898), p. 41.
- Baring-Gould (1898), p. 26.
- Quoted translated from the Latin in Baring-Gould (1898), p. 39.
- The Bollandists compiling the Acta Sanctorum were even driven to complain of the Irish "canonising dead men in troops whenever they seemed to be somewhat better than usual".[5]
- Baring-Gould, Sabine. The Lives of the Saints, Vol. XVI, "The Celtic Church and its Saints", pp. 30–40. Longmans, Green, & Co. (New York), 1898.
- Rowan Williams, Reviews and comments on 'The Book of Welsh Saints'.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, pp. 103 ff.
- Baring-Gould, Sabine & al. The Lives of the British Saints: The Saints of Wales and Cornwall and Such Irish Saints as Have Dedications in Britain, Vol. I, pp. 101 ff. Chas. Clark (London), 1908. Hosted at Archive.org. Accessed 18 Nov 2014.
- The Church in Wales. "The Book of Common Prayer for Use in the Church in Wales: The New Calendar and the Collects". 2003. Accessed 18 Nov 2014.
- The Catholic Church in England and Wales. "Liturgy Office: February 2015". Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, 2014. Accessed 18 Nov 2014.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 70.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, pp. 116 ff.
- Although note that Irish sources make him a son of Sedna, a chieftain of Connaught. Baring-Gould considered that the extraordinary span of events credited to "Saint Aeddan" best explained by supposing that Aeddan the grandson of Caw and companion of Saint David was a second figure from Aeddan, son of Sedna, and the two became confused as both were bishops of Ferns a generation apart.[14]
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 75.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 74.
- Ford, David Nash. "The Holy Shrines of St. Albans in Hertfordshire". Britannica. Archived from the original on 31 January 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- Thurston, Herbert (1907). The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. retrieved from "St Alban". New Advent. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 72.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 212.
- Now dedicated to St Martin and probably originally simply a corruption of eglwys y fach, "church in the little [corner of the valley]".[21]
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 71.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 73.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, p. 73.
- Baring-Gould, S.; Fisher, John (1907). Lives of the British Saints: Vol 1. Honorable Society of Cymrrodorion. p. 340.
- Cornish Church Guide, p. 12. Blackford (Truro).
- Sometimes celebrated as a movable feast on the Sunday closest to 16 May.[27]
- Baring-Gould, Sabine. The Lives of the British Saints, Vol. II. p. 135.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. I, pp. 76.
- Doble, G.H. Saints of Cornwall, Part 4: Newquay, Padstow, and Bodmin district, pp. 105-109. Dean & Chapter (Truro), 1965.
- Cornish Church Guide, p. 10. Blackford (Truro).
- Doble, G. H. (1965) Saints of Cornwall, Part 4: Newquay, Padstow and Bodmin district. Truro: Dean & Chapter; pp. 105-109
- Charles, B.G. (1992). The Placenames of Pembrokeshire, Volume I. National Library of Wales. p. 42. ISBN 978-0-907158-58-5.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. III, p. 42.
- Welsh chronicles
- Doble, G. H. (1965) The Saints of Cornwall; Part 4: saints of the Newquay, Padstow and Bodmin district. Truro: Dean and Chapter; p. 50
- Cornish Church Guide (1925) Truro: Blackford; p. 14
- "Welcome To Newport Cathedral". Newport Cathederal. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- Baring-Gould (1908), Vol. III, p. 350.
- Thurston, Herbert (1907). The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. retrieved from "St. John Roberts". New Advent. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- Thurston, Herbert (1907). The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. retrieved from "St. John Lloyd". New Advent. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
External links
- Welsh Saints at Everything2
- List of Celtic Saints at Celtic Christianity
- List of early Welsh Churches at Celtic Christianity