St. Piran
(early 6th century) - Abbot of Lanpiran
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St. Piran is the Patron Saint of Cornwall. The Cornish flag depicts St. Piran's Cross. Of Welsh origin, he seems to have first made his mark on Ireland where he should be identified with St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, the place where he founded the famous monastery. He was later kidnapped by pirates and thrown into the Irish sea with a millstone round his neck. It miraculously bobbed to the surface and brought him safely to Cornwall! There he set up a second monastery (at Perranporth) called Lanpiran where he eventually died and was buried. His body was a great draw for medieval pilgrims. He is best remembered for rediscovering tin for the Cornish to mine and for enjoying a good drink.
For more details of St. Piran's life, take a look at our Early British Kingdoms website.
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