Cornish Saints

St. Austell, St. Ives, St. Minver, Perranporth ... in Cornwall, saints are everywhere! Towns and villages are named after churches founded by them or dedicated to their memory. Why are they so important?

Under Roman rule , Christianity in Britain had grown from its small beginnings. The Emperor Constantine had declared Christianity to be the favoured religion of the whole Roman Empire.

In 410 CE Rome left the British Isles. The country was being invaded in the east by pagan Saxons, Angles and Jutes. Along with Wales, Scotland and parts of northern England, 'Celtic' Cornwall was able to hold off the invaders for a long time.

It wasn't until 838 CE that Cornwall finally came under Saxon control. By then, Saxon society had been converted to Christianity.

The Celtic saints were missionaries - men and women who moved throughout the British Isles, spreading the Christian faith.

They must have been brave people - many were killed because of their Christian faith. But stories of their words, deeds and miraculous faith were lovingly re-told - and embroidered - over the years.

Behind the legends are real people who changed the course of history - not with a sword, but by their love and faith.

Their feast days mark the day that they died.