Thursday 15th May 7.00pm. Woolhope Church
St. Dubricius and his influence on the corner of the Welsh Marches
The Revd Preb Dr C K W Moore will speak about St. Dubricius and consider his influence on this corner of the Welsh Marches during the sixth century.
Dubricius, is a lesser-known yet significant figure in the early Christian history of the Welsh Marches. A missionary bishop and abbot, it is estimated that over two thousand monks passed through his institutions. As a preacher, he set up many parishes in the sixth century, and his influence was widespread, being a mentor to many significant Welsh saints. In fact, according to one medieval chronicler, such was his reputation that he crowned King Arthur. His successor was St David.
Whilst he was in the womb, it seems that his mother was tied into a sack and thrown into the River Wye. From these unpromising beginnings, he went on to found a monastery in Hentland and, later, a second in Moccas after he had a vision in which he was told to found a monastery where he found a sow and her pigs (moch, hogs; rhos, place – hence Moccas). During his time in Archenfield he founded a number of churches, with Woolhope likely one of these foundations. Certainly, there was a mediaeval chapel in Lower Buckenhill named for St Dubricius, which suggests he had a connection with the parish. There are also churches dedicated to him at Ballingham, Whitchurch, Hentland and Hamnish.
Entry is free – retiring collection
Image by John Salmon
Woolhope Church HR1 4QS
