Saint David

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and he is

known for spreading Christianity in Europe as
well as performing miracles. His birth date
is thought to be between 462 and 512. He
was born on a cliff top near Capel Non on
the south-west Wales coast during a fierce
storm. Both his parents were descendants
of Welsh royalty. His father was Sandde,
Prince of Powys. His mother was Non,
daughter of a chieftain of Menevia (now the
cathedral city of St David’s).

Dewi was brought up in Aberaeron by his mother.

Together, they founded a nunnery. He was educated at a
monastery and his teacher was Saint Paulinis. Non was a saint and she opened
many monasteries, including one in Brittany where she later settled.

Saint David’s Miracles

He performed many miracles. His most famous miracle took place when he
was preaching in the middle of a large crowd. The spot of ground where he
stood is said to have risen so that he was standing on a hill and everyone
had a better chance of hearing and seeing him. Another miracle which he is
famous for is restoring Paulinis’ eyesight.

Did You Know...?

During a battle against the Saxons, he told the soldiers to wear leeks on their
helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy. Therefore, the leek is one of
the emblems of Wales!

Interesting Facts about His Life

• He is said to have helped stop Pelagianism – a group which disagreed with the
Church of Wales.
• He travelled to Jerusalem where he became bishop.
• He was ordained Archbishop of Wales.
• He opened 12 monasteries. The largest monastery was in Mynwy, West Wales.
• He was a strict vegetarian and drank only water.

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 Saint David

What Did Monks Do?

• Monks had to farm the land to provide for themselves and to share with the
poor. Some used an ox to pull the plough; however, David preferred pulling the
plough himself.
• Monks spent their evenings in prayer, reading or writing scripture.
• Beekeeping was very important.
• Monks had to keep themselves
fed as well as looking after
the poor.
• No personal possessions
were allowed.

Saint David’s Death

Saint David died on 1st March 589,
at Mynwy. It is believed that
he was over one hundred
years old when he died! He was
buried in a shrine in the sixth-century cathedral in Mynwy.

His final words were ‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’ or ‘Do the little
things in life’. This phrase is still popular in Wales up to this day.

In 1120, the Pope announced that David was a saint, and soon after he was
named the patron saint of Wales. March 1st is an important festival in Wales
and is also celebrated across the world.

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 Saint David

Questions
1. Where and when was Saint David born?


2. Find and write two facts about his mother.




3. What did Saint David ask the soldiers to do before the battle with the Saxons?


4. Being a monk was hard work. Write two sentences about the life of a monk.



5. Where did Saint David become a bishop?



6. In which year was it decided that David was to become a saint?



7. Put these events from the text in order by numbering them from 1 to 5:

Saint David was ordained as Archbishop of Wales.

Saint David was born on a cliff top during a storm.

Saint David was named patron saint of Wales.

Saint David and his mother founded a nunnery.

Saint David was buried in the cathedral in Mynwy.

8. How do you celebrate St. David’s Day?




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 Saint David

Answers
1. Where and when was Saint David born?
His birth date is thought to be between 462 and 512. He was born on a cliff top near
Capel Non on the south-west Wales coast during a fierce storm.
2. Find and write two facts about his mother.
• Her name was Non.
• She was the daughter of a chieftain of Menevia (now the cathedral city of St David’s).
• She was a saint.
• Together with Saint David, she founded a nunnery.
• She opened many monasteries.
• She settled in Brittany where she had opened a monastery.
3. What did Saint David ask the soldiers to do before the battle with the Saxons?
He told the soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy.
4. Being a monk was hard work. Write two sentences about the life of a monk.
Children’s own responses, with reference to any two of the following: Monks had to
farm the land to provide for themselves and to share with the poor; Monks normally
used an ox to pull the plough; Monks spent their evenings in prayer, reading or writing
scripture; Beekeeping was very important; Monks had to keep themselves fed as well as
looking after the poor; No personal possessions were allowed.
5. Where did Saint David become a bishop?
Saint David became a bishop in Jerusalem.
6. In which year was it decided that David was to become a saint?
In 1120, the Pope announced that David was a saint.
7. Put these events from the text in order by numbering them from 1 to 5:

3 Saint David was ordained as Archbishop of Wales.

1 Saint David was born on a cliff top during a storm.

5 Saint David was named patron saint of Wales.

2 Saint David and his mother founded a nunnery.

4 Saint David was buried in the cathedral in Mynwy.

8. How do you celebrate St. David’s Day?

Children’s own responses.

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 Saint David
Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and he is
known for spreading Christianity in Europe as
well as performing miracles. His birth date is
thought to be between 462 and 512.
He was born on a cliff top near Capel Non,
on the south-west Wales coast during a fierce
storm. Both his parents were descendants of
Welsh royalty. His father was Sandde, Prince
of Powys. His mother was Non, daughter of a
chieftain of Menevia (now the cathedral city of
St David’s).

Dewi was brought up in Aberaeron by his mother. Together, they founded a

nunnery at Llanon, a nearby town. He was educated at the monastery of Hen
Fynyw and his teacher was Saint Paulinis. Non was a saint and she opened
many monasteries, including one in Brittany where she later settled.

Legend has it that he performed many miracles. His most famous miracle took
place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd in the village of
Llanddewi Brefi. The spot of ground where he stood is said to have risen so that
he was standing on a hill and everyone had a better chance of seeing and hearing
him. A white dove, which became his emblem, was seen sitting on his shoulder.
Another miracle for which he is famous is restoring the sight of Paulinis.

Did You Know...?

During a battle against the Saxons, he told the soldiers to wear leeks on their
helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy. Therefore, the leek is one of
the emblems of Wales!

Interesting Facts about His Life

• He is said to have helped stop Pelagianism – a group which disagreed with the
Church of Wales.
• He travelled to Jerusalem where he became a bishop.
• He was ordained Archbishop of Wales in Llanddewi Brefi in 550.
• He opened 12 monasteries. The largest monastery was in Mynwy, West Wales.
• He was a strict vegetarian who ate only vegetables, bread and herbs. He drank
only water.

visit twinkl.cymru
 Saint David

What Did Monks Do?

• Monks had to farm the land to provide for themselves and to share with the
poor. Some used an ox to pull the plough; however, David preferred pulling the
plough himself.
• Monks spent their evenings in prayer, reading or writing scripture.
• Beekeeping was very important.
• Monks had to keep themselves
fed as well as looking after
the poor.
• No personal possessions
were allowed.

Saint David’s Death

Saint David died on 1st March
589, at Mynwy. It is
believed that he was over
one hundred years old when he
died! He was buried in a shrine in the sixth-century cathedral in Mynwy, which
is in ruins nowadays.

During his last sermon to his followers, his final words were: ‘Gwnewch y pethau
bychain mewn bywyd’ or ‘Do the little things in life’. This phrase is still popular
in Wales up to this day.

In 1120, the Pope announced that David was a saint and soon after, he was
named the patron saint of Wales. March 1st is an important festival in Wales
and is also celebrated in many other places across the world.

visit twinkl.cymru
 Saint David

Questions
1. ‘His birth date is thought to be between 462 and 512’.
Why do you think nobody knows his exact birth date?



2. Find and write three facts about his mother.





3. Explain why the leek is a national emblem in Wales.




4. Being a monk was hard work. Write three sentences about the life of a monk.




5. Use your dictionary to find the meanings of these words:

bishop 

denounced 

ordained 

6. Why do you think Saint David travelled to Jerusalem to become a bishop and not
somewhere closer?



7. Who decided that David was to become a saint, and when did it happen?


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 Saint David
8. How was Saint David associated with Welsh royalty?


9. Add three important events from the life of Saint David so that this table lists events in the
order that they happened.

Saint David was born on a cliff top during a storm.

Saint David was named patron saint of Wales.

10. How do you celebrate St. David’s Day?




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 Saint David

Answers
1. ‘His birth date is thought to be between 462 and 512’.
Why do you think nobody knows his exact birth date?
His birth date had not been officially recorded. Not much is known about his life as
history and events were not being recorded at this time.

2. Find and write three facts about his mother.

• Her name was Non.
• She was the daughter of a chieftain of Menevia (now the cathedral city of St David’s).
• She was a saint.
• Together with Saint David, she founded a nunnery in Llanon.
• She opened many monasteries.
• She settled in Brittany where she had opened a monastery.

3. Explain why the leek is a national emblem in Wales.

During a battle against the Saxons, Saint David told the soldiers to wear leeks on their
helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy.

4. Being a monk was hard work. Write three sentences about the life of a monk.
Children’s own responses, with reference to any three of the following: Monks had to
farm the land to provide for themselves and to share with the poor; Monks normally
used an ox to pull the plough; Monks spent their evenings in prayer, reading or writing
scripture; Beekeeping was very important; Monks had to keep themselves fed as well as
looking after the poor; No personal possessions were allowed.
5. Use your dictionary to find the meanings of these words:
Pupils’ answers will vary depending on the dictionary used.

6. Why do you think Saint David travelled to Jerusalem to become a bishop and not
somewhere closer?
Children’s own responses, such as: Jerusalem is a holy city for Christians and Saint
David may have wanted to see where Jesus was crucified.

7. Who decided that David was to become a saint, and when did it happen?
In 1120, the Pope announced that David was a saint.

8. How was Saint David associated with Welsh royalty?

Both of Saint David’s parents were descendants of Welsh royalty.

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 Saint David
1. Add three important events from the life of Saint David so that this table lists events in the
order that they happened.

Saint David was born on a cliff top during a storm.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David founded a nunnery with his mother.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David was made Archbishop of Wales.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David died on 1st March 589.

Saint David was named patron saint of Wales.

2. How do you celebrate St. David’s Day?

Children’s own responses.

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 Saint David
Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and he is
the only native-born patron saint of Britain and
Ireland. He is known for spreading Christianity
in Europe as well as performing miracles.
His birth date is uncertain: suggestions vary
from 462 to 512. However, it is believed that
he was born on a cliff top near Capel Non,
on the south-west Wales coast during a fierce
storm. Both his parents were descendants of
Welsh royalty. His father was Sandde, Prince of
Powys. His mother was Non, daughter of a chieftain
of Menevia (now the cathedral city of St David’s). He was
the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, king of Ceredigion.

What Is a Patron Saint?

A patron saint is regarded as a heavenly protector and advocate.

Dewi was brought up in Hen Fynyw, near Aberaeron, by his mother. Together, they
founded a nunnery at Llanon, a nearby town. He was educated at the monastery
of Hen Fynyw and his teacher was Saint Peulinis. Non was also a saint and she
opened many monasteries, including one in Brittany where she later settled.

Legend has it that Saint David performed many miracles. His most famous
miracle took place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd in the
village of Llanddewi Brefi. The spot of ground where he
stood is said to have risen beneath his feet, so that he was
standing on a hill and everyone could see and hear him
preaching. A white dove, which became his emblem,
was seen sitting on his shoulder. Another miracle
for which he is famous is restoring the sight of his
teacher, Paulinis.
He was a strict vegetarian who ate only vegetables,
bread and herbs and drank only water. People
called him ‘Aquaticus’ or ‘Dewi Ddyfrwr’ (the
water drinker). It is said that he would stand
up to his neck in a lake of cold water, reciting
scriptures from the Bible!

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 Saint David

Did You Know...?

During a battle against the Saxons, he told the soldiers to wear leeks on their
helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy. Therefore, the leek is one
of the emblems of Wales!

Interesting Facts about His Life

• He is said to have denounced Pelagianism – a group which disagreed with the
Church of Wales.
• He travelled throughout Europe and even went to Jerusalem where he was
ordained as a bishop.
• He was also ordained Archbishop of Wales in Llanddewi Brefi, Cardiganshire
in 550.
• He opened 12 monasteries. The largest monastery was in Mynwy, West Wales.
• He devoted most of his life to monkhood.
What Did Monks Do?
Monks had to follow monastic rules:
• Farming the land to provide for themselves and to share with the poor. Some used
an ox to pull the plough; however, David preferred pulling the plough himself.
• Spending their evenings in prayer, reading or writing scripture.
• Participate in crafts and various hobbies: beekeeping was especially important.
• Keeping themselves fed, as well as feeding and looking after the poor.
• Giving up all personal possessions — even saying ‘my book’ was regarded an
offence. Saint David lived a simple life.
Saint David’s Death
Saint David died on 1st March, 589, at Mynwy. It is believed that he was
over one hundred years old when he died! He was buried in a shrine at the
sixth-century cathedral in Mynwy, which today lies in ruins. His shrine was
a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages and continues to be
visited up to this day.

During his last sermon to his followers, his final words were: ‘Be joyful, keep the
faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.’ The phrase
‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’ - ‘Do the little things in life’ - is still
widely popular in Wales up to this day and is associated with Saint David.

In 1120, the Pope announced that David was a saint, and soon after he was
named the patron saint of Wales. 1st March is an important festival in Wales
and is also celebrated in other places across the world.

visit twinkl.cymru
 Saint David

Questions
1. ‘His birth date is uncertain: suggestions vary from 462 to 512.’
What does uncertain mean? Why do you think Saint David’s birth date is uncertain?



2. Find and write four facts about Saint David’s mother.






3. Explain why the leek is a national emblem in Wales.




4. Would you have liked to be a monk in the sixth century?

Explain your answer with reference to the text.



5. Use your dictionary to find the meanings of these words:

bishop 

miracle 

ordained 

denounced 

6. Why do you think Saint David travelled to Jerusalem to become a bishop and not
somewhere closer?



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 Saint David
7. When do we celebrate St. David’s Day? Why do we celebrate it on this date?

8. How was Saint David associated with Welsh royalty?

9. Add four important events from the life of Saint David so that this table lists events in the
order that they happened.

Saint David was named patron saint of Wales.

10. How do you celebrate St. David’s Day?




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 Saint David

Answers
1. ‘His birth date is uncertain: suggestions vary from 462 to 512.’
What does uncertain mean? Why do you think Saint David’s birth date is uncertain?
Children’s own responses, such as: Uncertain means that nobody is sure when his birth
date is. I think this is because his birth date was not officially recorded as history and
events were not being written down at this time.

2. Find and write four facts about Saint David’s mother.

Accept any four of the following:
• Her name was Non.
• She was the daughter of a chieftain of Menevia (now the cathedral city of St David’s).
• She was a saint.
• Together with Saint David, she founded a nunnery in Llanon.
• She opened many monasteries.
• She settled in Brittany where she had opened a monastery.
3. Explain why the leek is a national emblem in Wales.
During a battle against the Saxons, Saint David told the soldiers to wear leeks on their
helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy.

4. Would you have liked to be a monk in the sixth century?

Explain your answer with reference to the text.
Children’s own responses, such as: I would not have liked to be a monk in the sixth
century because I wouldn’t have liked to give up my personal possessions and farming
sounds like hard work.
5. Use your dictionary to find the meanings of these words:
Pupils’ answers will vary depending on the dictionary used.

6. Why do you think Saint David travelled to Jerusalem to become a bishop and not
somewhere closer?
Children’s own responses, such as: Jerusalem is a holy city for Christians and Saint
David may have wanted to see where Jesus was crucified.
7. When do we celebrate St. David’s Day? Why do we celebrate it on this date?
St. David’s Day is celebrated on 1st March, the date that he died.
8. How was Saint David associated with Welsh royalty?
Both of Saint David’s parents were descendants of Welsh royalty. He was the grandson
of the king of Ceredigion.

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 Saint David
9. Add four important events from the life of Saint David so that this table lists events in the
order that they happened.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David was born on a cliff top during a storm.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David founded a nunnery with his mother.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David was made Archbishop of Wales.

Children’s own responses, such as: Saint David died on 1st March 589.

Saint David was named patron saint of Wales.

10. How do you celebrate St. David’s Day?

Children’s own responses.

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