Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales
How much do you know about the Welsh Patron Saint of Wales, Dewi Sant?
As with all legends and mythical stories from the early centuries, there are varying accounts of truth; this is also the case with the legend of Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales.
Just like England has Saint George, Wales has its very own Patron Saint who is now honoured annually on March 1st. Here we share some of the fascinating history of Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales. Better known as Dewi Sant in Welsh, this famous figure has an extraordinary past that is well worth a read before you visit the city which has since been named after him.
Saint David's Birth
It is believed that David was born to mother Non and father Sant around the year 550 on a cliff top during a fierce storm on the outskirts of Mynyw, the place we now know to be St Davids. The story of his birth is somewhat remarkable, as it is believed Non was all alone although there are varying suspicions as to why this might be. David was later baptised at the nearby Porthclais Harbour by Saint Elvis, before being sent to Whitland to be educated at a monastery.
St Non's Chapel, the birthplace of Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales
The Patron Saint's Miracles
During his education, David was taught by a blind monk named Paulinus and it was during this time that he carried out his first miracle. It is said that by making the sign of the cross to him, David cured Paulinus of his blindness. Upon the realisation that David was blessed, Paulinus sent David off to become a missionary.
David then went on to do many pilgrimages in his life, throughout the UK and further afield. It is said that he travelled to Rome and Jerusalem where he was consecrated as an archbishop before later becoming the Archbishop of Wales. During his UK travels, he founded twelve monasteries across the land including one in Glastonbury and one in St Davids.
Saint David's Most Famous Legend
The most well-known legend associated with Saint David the Patron Saint of Wales is the story of what happened during a sermon he delivered to a crowd in Llanddewi Brefi. Such a large crowd had formed leaving many in the crown unable to or hear David. Upon hearing this complaint, it is said that a white dove landed on David’s shoulder and the ground beneath him rose allowing everyone to see and hear him.
The Patron Saint's Later Life
Allegedly, David lived over the age of 100; his death was on 1st March 598, hence the date being synonymous with St David's Day. After his death in the 12th Century, Pope Callactus II named him Dewi as a saint and recognised him as the Patron Saint of Wales. The site of David’s shrine has proved a popular destination for pilgrims following his incredible impact on the world and so the Pope also declared that two pilgrimages to St Davids would since be classed as equal to one pilgrimage to Rome.
Visiting St Davids and Sites Linked to Dewi Sant
The city of St Davids has since become a popular place for visitors. Many visit Capel Non, David's birthplace on the outskirts of the city. Now more commonly known as St. Non’s Chapel, it is recommended to sightsee the Holy Well there during your trip, as the legend states that this surfaced naturally during the birth.
The site of David's monastery is now home to the city's Cathedral which carries out a traditional communion service to this day as well as hosting special events.
St Davids Cathedral
A visit to St Davids Cathedral is a must-do when staying in Pembrokeshire, but what else is there to do nearby you might ask? Well St Davids is packed with country pubs, shops and art galleries but you can also book a boat trip out to the RSPB island of Ramsey for some wildlife spotting, or head to Whitesands Beach for an afternoon of surfing. Enjoy a walk along the Coastal Path in this peninsula for uninterrupted sea views or drive to some of the nearby quaint coves in the area.
Celebrating St David's Day
Nowadays we commemorate Saint David, our Patron Saint of Wales, annually on the 1st March with St David's Day. In Wales, we also refer to it as Dydd Dewi Sant. Celebrations include festivals and events throughout Wales with lots of Welsh singing and poetry recitals. It is commonplace to see people dressed in the national costume with women donning traditional black hats and red dresses. Leeks and daffodils are worn, often as lapel pins, and Welsh flags depicting our famous red dragon are proudly hung high.
