I was privileged to see the beginning of St Caradoc’s journey from a converted chapel, where he was being hand-stitched by Amanda Wright, to his appointed place in the great Cathedral of St Davids, where his bones are thought to lie.
St Caradoc, who lived in the 12th century, came from a wealthy background, being well educated and having a place at the court of Rees, a prince of South Wales. However, he abandoned his faith in worldly princes when Rees, enraged at the loss of two greyhounds, threatened his life. From that moment Caradoc decided to dedicate his life to God, became a hermit and impressed everyone, including English settlers, Norwegian pirates and, importantly, the local archbishop with his sanctity. He died in 1124 and was buried in the Church of St Davids. In addition to his memorable curing of an English nobleman and his founding of the 12th century church in Lawrenny, he is remembered as a harp player.
Amanda Wright, who was commissioned to make this beautiful account of his life to be placed in the Cathedral, works in the Goat Street Gallery in St David’s. This is a wonderfully converted chapel, where you can see her embroidery, pottery by ceramicist Daniel Wright and work by other artists and craftspeople.
Tegfan, Dinas Cross 