Happy Saint David's Day

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales, and unlike many national patron saints, was actually born in that country. Most Welshmen are fervently patriotic on their national day - March 1st - and none so much as the ex-patriate Welshman!

St David (Dewi Sant was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. He spread the word of Christianity across Wales.

The most famous story about Saint David tells how he was preaching to a huge crowd and the ground is said to have risen up, so that he was standing on a hill and everyone had a better chance of hearing him.


the Leek Connection....

Although the leek has been recognised as the emblem of Wales since the 16th century, its association with the Welsh can be traced back to 633 AD when, at the battle of Heathfield, a monk apparently suggested the Welsh soldiers wore leeks in their caps to distinguish them from their Saxon opponents. Not a bad idea all in all - and they won the battle.

It's also suggested that St. David himself included leeks in his meagre diet. Furthermore, all £1 coins dated 1985 feature the Welsh Leek on the reverse? It was decided that from 1984, British £1 coins would feature different reverse designs representing the four countries of the United Kingdom.