St Davids Cathedral, St Davids, Pembrokeshire, Wales

A timeless celebration. Saint David's Day

A leek, a daffodil and a day to remember: Happy Saint David's Day! Today, Wales celebrates its patron saint and all things Welsh. Saint David was a 6th-century monk, bishop and preacher who played a key role in spreading Christianity across the country. He founded several religious communities known for their simple, disciplined lifestyles. One of his most famous sayings, 'Gwnewch y pethau bychain,' still resonates today as a reminder that small acts of kindness and faith matter. But why do people wear leeks and daffodils? Legend has it that the saint advised Welsh soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy in battle against the Saxons. The daffodil, meanwhile, became popular later as a more visually appealing national emblem, especially during the 19th century.

So, what better place to visit today than St Davids Cathedral in St Davids, Britain's smallest city. Built on the site of Saint David's original monastic settlement, the cathedral has been a focal point of worship and pilgrimage for over a thousand years. With its sturdy Romanesque architecture and centuries-old traditions, it remains a testament to the saint's enduring legacy.