Branwalator
Branwalator was a British saint, believed to have come from Brittany, who is associated with both Jersey and Cornwall. He is remembered for his work with Saint Samson and for his relics which were housed in Milton Abbas and Branscombe. His name is preserved in place names such as St Brelade in Jersey and St Breward in Cornwall.
- Feast Day
- 6 June
- Century
- 10th century
- Country Or Region
- United Kingdom
Key Facts
- ›Branwalator was a British monk who may have been a bishop in Jersey.
- ›He is believed to have worked with Saint Samson in Cornwall and the Channel Islands.
- ›His relics were obtained by King Athelstan and moved to Milton Abbey in 935.
- ›The parish of Saint Brélade in Jersey is named after him, with 'Brelade' being a corruption of 'Branwalader'.
- ›In Cornwall, he is known as St Breward, and a church and a well are dedicated to him.
- ›His feast day in Jersey is observed on June 6th, with additional feast days in Cornwall.
Breward, Branwalader, Branuvelladurus, Brelade, Broladre
About Branwalator
Branwalator, also known by variations of his name such as Breward, Branwalader, Branuvelladurus, Brelade, and Broladre, was a British saint. While precise historical details are scarce, he is understood to have been a monk and is said to have served as a bishop in Jersey, likely within the ancient diocese of Dol.
Life and Ministry
It is believed that Branwalator worked alongside Saint Samson in Cornwall and the Channel Islands, regions where his memory persists in place names. The parish of Saint Brélade in Jersey bears his name, with "Brelade" being a corrupted form of "Branwalader." He may have also accompanied Saint Samson on journeys to Brittany. The Exeter martyrology, a significant source of information, identifies Branwalator as the son of the Cornish king, Kenen.
Veneration and Relics
Branwalator's cult gained prominence from at least the 10th century. His relics were particularly significant, with King Athelstan obtaining a portion (an arm or head) from Breton clerics fleeing Viking raids and transferring them to Milton Abbey in Dorset in 935. William Worcester later claimed the saint's body was at Branscombe in Devon, and Leland mentioned a chapel of Saint Breward near Seaton. The Abbey Church of St. Mary, St. Samson, and St. Branwalader at Milton Abbey reflects his veneration there.
His feast day is observed on June 6th in Jersey, and in Cornwall, he is commemorated on February 9th and June 6th, with January 19th potentially marking the translation of his relics. In the Middle Ages, his feast was celebrated in Winchester, Exeter, and Cornwall. In Brittany, he has sometimes been conflated with Saint Brendan and Saint Brannock.
Associated Locations
In Jersey, the Parish Church of St Brelade is thought to date from the 10th or 11th century. Cornwall features a church dedicated to St Breward, situated on Bodmin Moor, which is the highest church in the county. A St Breward's Well near Camelford in Cornwall was historically visited by those seeking cures for ailments, particularly inflamed eyes.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Branwalator?
Branwalator was a British saint, believed to have originated from Brittany. He is known to have been a British monk and possibly a bishop.
Where is Saint Branwalator venerated?
Saint Branwalator is venerated in Jersey, where the parish of Saint Brelade is named after him, and in Cornwall, where he is known as St Breward, with a church and well dedicated to him. His relics were also housed at Milton Abbas in Dorset and Branscombe in Devon.
When is Saint Branwalator's feast day?
In Jersey, Saint Branwalator's feast day is celebrated on June 6th. In Cornwall, he has feast days on February 9th and June 6th, with January 19th possibly marking the translation of his relics.
What is Saint Branwalator known for?
Branwalator is remembered for his association with Saint Samson, with whom he is believed to have worked in Cornwall and the Channel Islands. He is also known for his relics, which were significant in the veneration of his cult in the Middle Ages.
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