All aspects of the cult of St David, patron saint of Wales, are examined in this wide-ranging volume. The cult of St David has been an enduring symbol of Welsh identity across more than a millennium. This volume, published to commemorate the fourteenth centenary of the death of the saint, traces the evidence for the cult of St David through archaeological, historical, hagiographical, liturgical, and toponymic evidence, and considers the role of the cult and church of St David in the history of Welsh society, politics, and landscape. The collection includes a new edition and translation of the ‘Life’ of St David by Rhygyfarch, based on the text in British Library Ms. Cotton Vespasian A.xiv, as well as new evidence concerning the relics of the saint enshrined in St Davids Cathedral. J. WYN EVANS is the Dean of St Davids Cathedral. JONATHAN M. WOODING is Director of the Centre for the Study of Religion in Celtic Societies at University of Wales Lampeter. Contributors: JULIA BARROW, JANE CARTWRIGHT, FRED COWLEY, JOHN REUBEN DAVIES, OWAIN TUDOR EDWARDS, J. WYN EVANS, G.R. ISAAC, DANIEL HUWS, DAVID HOWLETT, T.F.G. HIGHAM, HEATHER JAMES, JOHN MORGAN-GUY, L.D.M NOKES, HUW PRYCE, C. BRONK RAMSEY, MARK REDKNAP, RICHARD SHARPE, BERNARD TANGUY, +GLANMOR WILLIAMS, JONATHAN M. WOODING, W.N. YATES.

St David of Wales is among those rare books that one can call epoch-making: it is a médaille d'or contribution to the history of Welsh Christianity. Seldom does one read an account of Wales's past as rich, substantial, comprehensive and satisfying as this one. [...] For decades to come, St David of Wales will be the first call for anyone seeking information on St David's life and cult, and on the history of the cathedral and diocese that bear his name.'

Source: Welsh Journal of Religious History

This is a collection of essays which is likely to have a long-term impact on Welsh ecclesiastical history. [...] A very useful and timely collection of essays which will do much to promote and stimulate debate of Welsh ecclesiastical history.'

Source: Welsh History Review

A fine volume of essays.'

Source: Journal of Ecclesiastical History