Saint Tathyw facts for kids

Saint Tathyw was an important figure in South Wales during the 5th century. He started a special school for monks in a place called Caerwent. Many important leaders of the early Welsh church learned from him there.

Who Was Saint Tathyw?

There are different ideas about who Saint Tathyw really was. It's a bit of a mystery!

• Some people think he might be the same person as Tatheus. Tatheus also started a monastery not far from Caerwent.
• A story from the village of St Athan says that Tathyw was actually someone else, known as Tathan the Younger. This story claims he is buried at St Athan Parish Church, but no one knows the exact spot. This Tathan was born around 490 AD. His father was Ynyr from the Gwent area, and his mother was Derwela Ferch Budic, a princess from Brittany.
• Other stories connect him to Saint Tathana. She was a nun who lived a simple life in a small hut near the River Thaw. She was also linked to a famous monastic school nearby called Llantwit Major.

His Life and Work

Long ago, King Caradog ap Ynyr, who ruled the Gwent area, had his main court at Caerwent. The King gave this city to Saint Tathyw. Then, the King let his horse lead him to a new home in Portskewett.

Saint Tathyw then built a monastery in Caerwent. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. He lived there for many years with his followers. When he died, he was buried under the floor of his church.

Later, around 1235, Saint Tathyw's remains were moved to a special shrine in Tewkesbury. Some people think his monastery might actually have been in Christchurch, which is a bit further east from Caerwent.

Interesting Stories About Tathyw

There are a few cool legends about Saint Tathyw.

One story tells us that King Gwynllyw of South Wales took one of Saint Tathyw's cows. When Tathyw came to ask for his cow back, the King gave his son, Cadoc, to the saint instead! Cadoc then grew up under Tathyw's care. When he was older, Cadoc became a monk. He went back to his home country and built a church and a monastery at Llancarvan.

Some people also believe that Saint Tathyw might have known the famous King Arthur when he was living in Caerwent.

Another story says that when Tathyw was a child, an angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel suggested that Tathyw should go to Wales and help spread the Christian message there.