Túathalán facts for kids

Túathalán was an important church leader, known as an abbot, who lived in the 8th century. He passed away around the year 747. Túathalán was in charge of a church at a place called Cennrigmonaid. We know about him mainly from a record of his death found in an old book called the Annals of Ulster. Some historians believe he might have come from Ireland and was also known as Tuathal.

What Was Cennrigmonaid?

The name Cennrigmonaid means "head of the king's pastureland." This place is connected to what we now call St Andrews in Scotland. It was probably the earlier name for this famous town. Túathalán is the very first church leader we know about who was connected to a church built there. His death record is the oldest written proof that a church existed in Cennrigmonaid, and that the place itself existed!

How the Church Started

The church in Cennrigmonaid was likely started around the early 700s. It was probably founded by Óengus I mac Fergusa, who was a powerful King of the Picts. Another king, Nechtan mac Der-Ile, might also have been involved in its creation. Because of this, Túathalán could have been the very first abbot of this important church.

A Possible Link to Hexham

There might have been a connection between the church at Cennrigmonaid and Hexham Abbey in England. Hexham Abbey was another religious center whose writers knew a lot about the Picts. Both Cennrigmonaid and Hexham also shared a special dedication to Saint Andrew.