St David, Dewi Sant, was a leading figure and monk in the early Welsh Church who lived in this area in the sixth century. He founded a monastic community here living a simple, austere life in the Celtic monastic tradition which connected the people of Wales with Ireland, Cornwall, France and the Scottish Isles. He drew followers from all over Wales and he travelled a great deal to preach.
One of the most famous stories about David’s preaching is that when speaking at the Synod of Brefi (now Llanddewi Brefi in Ceredigion) the earth beneath his feet rose up to create a hill so his words could be heard, and he could be seen.
The stories and legends all point to St David as an example to follow, a model of a Christian life. David’s monastic routine and that of his monks was one of great simplicity and self-denial. Their days were centred on prayer, work in the fields (pulling the plough themselves) and reading. They ate one meal a day of bread and herbs or vegetables, and drank only water.
Glastonbury Abbey is said to be among the churches David founded.
His last words to his followers, still repeated to this day, were “Be joyful, keep the faith, do the little things you have seen me do”. David was buried at St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.