The shortage of real historical evidence about St David is more than made up by the colourful legend that evolved in the centuries following his death.

Of the real St David, this much is known: Born at Henvynwy in Ceredigion, he is believed to have studied under St Illtud at Llantwit Major. He became a prominent figure in the Celtic church and founded a monastery at Menevia in Pembrokeshire, which eventually became known as St David’s.

His most famous exploit, the miracle of Llanddewi Brefi – where St David is said to have made the ground rise up so his words could be heard by the attendant multitude – is related by Rhyfygarch, a monk writing in the 11th century.

According to Rhygyfarch, the young David cured the blindness of his tutor St Paulinus, before setting out to evangelise among the Britons. Rhygyfrach also claims that David founded monasteries at Bath, Leominister and Glastonbury as well as visiting Jerusalem where he was made a bishop.

David also allegedly survived an attempt to poison him after St Scuthyn crossed the sea from Ireland on the back of a magic horse. Scuthyn blessed the contaminated bread and consumed it without ill effect.