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Saints of Britain – St Brannock of Braunton
In the first of a series of writings concentrating on our British Saints we look at St Brannock of Braunton who is commemorated on 7th January.
It is likely that Saint Brannock (Brannoc) is one and the same as Saint Brynach of Wales.
Since St Brynach was in Wales first, we’ll start there where he is said to have travelled to Rome and Brittany before arriving at Milford Haven. It is not known from where he travelled to Rome. A number of oratories were erected by St Brynach near the rivers Cleddau, Gwaun and Caman but his most famous foundation, at the foot of Mynydd Carningli (translated as Mountain of the Angels) was a significant monastery at present day Nevern. Nothing now remains of the monastery but a Norman church (dedicated to Saint Brynach) was built on the site which because of undercutting by the river Caman has itself been rebuilt many times.
The churchyard is remarkable for a Celtic Cross (10th Century) and several inscribed stones (of 5th or early 6th Century) inscribed in Latin and in Ogham.Also in the churchyard is a “bleeding yew” which leaks red sap at certain times of the year.
Saint Brynach is said to have been something of a wild fellow in his youth but very virtuous after his conversion and descriptions of his adventures (including amorous and ghostly encounters) found in the “Life of St Brynach” show a degree of humour not usually found in the writings of saintly lives.
The Saint was frequently harassed by King Maelgwn of Gwynedd for a while until he wrought miracles and the two came to terms.
On 7th January (the date of the death of the Saint) we commemorate St Brannock of Braunton which is not in Wales but in Devon.
St Brannock is believed to have migrated here to establish another monastery – on a hill overlooking the village – but it fell down.
In a dream, the Saint was told to look for a sow and piglets and to build his new church there. This story is commemorated in one of the stained glass windows in the present St Brannock’s Church in Braunton and in a fine roof boss.
Holy Saint Brannock pray to God for us.
