Illtud
Illtud (also spelled
Illtyd and, in corrupt
English,
Eltut, and, in
Latin,
Hildutus) (died mid-
6th century), was a
Welsh saint, founder and
abbot of
Llanilltud Fawr (Llantwit Major) in the
Welsh county of
Glamorgan.
The
7th century 'Life of Saint
Samson' claims that Illtud was a
disciple of
Germanus of Auxerre (although this does not necessarily mean that he was taught by him directly), that he was the most learned
Briton in the study of scripture and philosophy, and that he was the abbot of his monastery in
Glamorgan.
The earliest
Life of Illtud, full of implausible legends, was written about
1140. From it may perhaps be retained the claim that he sailed to
Brittany with some corn ships to relieve the famine: some Breton churches and villages certainly bear his name. In the
Life, Illtud is the son of a minor
Breton prince named
Bican Farchog, who begins his career as a skilled warrior, serving his maternal cousin,
King Arthur, and others until his wild ways brought him into conflict with Saint
Cadoc at
Llancarfan Abbey. Illtud's warband raids the abbey, but the monks pursue them into a bog where the earth swallows all of them except Illtud. Cadoc reminds Illtud of his religion, and the humbled warrior takes up the monastic life.
In an age when any schooling was available only to a very few privileged people, perhaps Illtud's monastic school was the closest approximation in existence to an institution of higher education. Among Illtud's pupils were Saints
Pol Aurelian,
Samson of Dol,
Gildas and
David.
An inscription on a cross at Llantwit says "Samson placed his Cross here for his soul, for the soul of Illtud, Samson, Rhain, Sawyl and Ebisar". It is possible that it was erected by Saint Samson himself in the
6th century, although it may be somewaht later. There is no formal evidence for a cult of Illtud surviving from before the
11th century. Many churches in Wales, however, are dedicated to him, while his monastery, reputed to contain hundreds of monks, was one of the most influential in
South Wales. The
Life tells of Illtud's bell being recovered from
King Edgar's armies and of Illtud's protecting his people against the people of
North Wales in the time of
William the Conqueror. His feast day is
November 6.
*
12th century Life of Saint Illtud in English*
Life of Saint Illtud in Latin*
Early British Kingdoms: St. Illtud Farchog
