Tudwal

Tudwal (Tugdual, Tual) (6th century), bishop. Of Welsh origin, this saint is known in Wales by place-names, but does not appear in ancient Welsh calendars. His cult, however, is strong in Brittany, especially round Léon, where Tudwal is reputed to have landed with his numerous family and monks. He settled at Lan Pabu, where he built a monastery. His cousin was the local ruler, but he obtained confirmation of his title to land from King Childebert I, who is said to have insisted that he become a bishop. This he did, and ruled at Tréguier for the rest of his life. Tudwal's name is found in three places on the Lleyn peninsula (Cardigan Bay); St. Tudwal's Island East (Ynys Tudwal) has a ruined chapel, dedicated to Tudwal and mentioned in the Taxation documents of 1291; originally his hermitage. By the time of William Worcestre and Leland it was abandoned. Tudwal's name appears in a Breton litany of the 10th century; in art he is depicted as a bishop, holding a dragon by his stole, like Armel. Tréguier, Laval, and Chartres all claim part of his relics. Feast in most Breton calendars on 1 December, but 30 November and 2 December are also found.

Bibliography
Click here for a list of abbreviations used in this bibliography.

• A. de la Borderie, Les trois anciennes Vies de S. Tudwal (1887); Baring-Gould and Fisher, iv. 271–4; William Worcestre, pp. 136–7; J. Leland, Itinerary, iii. 88