Life of St David

St David

St David lived in the sacred valley which is now the site of St Davids Cathedral. His cell was reputedly situated at the east end of the cathedral on the site of the present day Lady Chapel. This chapel is a wonderful place to contemplate, with an atmosphere of peace and serenity in which one can almost feel the presence of St David himself.

Myths, Legends & Stories

Surrounding the Life of St David

The Legends surrounding the life, work and death of St David have been taken from the work of the 11th century writer Rygafarch.

St David said :

"Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things."

This mantra is still as relevant to us today as when he said those words.

St David's Father

St Davids father, Sant was a prince and his mother a woman of high birth. Sant was visited by an angel who prophesied that his son would have the stag, bees and water as central to his life. Boya a local war lord divined through his own sorcerers the imminent birth of the baby and swore to destroy him. A violent thunderstorm broke whilst his mother Non was giving birth and hid her from Boyas sight.

St David's Youth

St David was baptised at a well in Porth Clais. He was educated locally. He is reputed to have restored the sight of his blind teacher. Whilst he was learning his lessons a dove used to come and sit with him.

St David Founds

Twelve Monasteries

When the time came for St David to leave his home town he travelled accross Wales and England and founded monasteries as he went. These included monasteries at Glascwm, Leominster and Glastonbury

Smoke Fills the Valley

St. David returned to his home town and set about founding a monastery. Boya the wicked local warlord who had sworn to destroy St David, set about foiling his plans. Several disasters befell Boya including the poisoning of his cattle. St David restored the cattle to health and an uneasy peace came about between Boya and St David

Monastery of St David

St David's monastery was finally finished. The monks would plough the soil by pulling the plough themselves rather than relying upon the labour of animals. St David is reputed to have consulted with the angels for guidance on a daily basis.

The Miracles of the

Disciples of St David

There are several reports of miracles performed by the disciples of St David. These range from simple tasks around the monastery lands to miracles regarding travels and journeys over seas.

The Miracles of St David

St David himself is said to have performed miracles which included the raising of a dead child. When he was preaching to a vast crowd at Llanddewi Felffrey it said that the land rose up under his feet so that the whole crowd could see and hear him. A dove descended from the sky and perched upon his shoulder.

The Death of St David

When St David was coming close to death he spent much time in his church preaching and celebrating communion. It is said that when he died the Valley filled with a rich smell of perfume and the angels gathered. Christ himself came to take St David to the portals of Heaven