Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was a Celtic convert to Christianity and missionary to Ireland in the middle of the 5th Century. He was actually born in Cumbria, which was a province at the northern-most territory of what is now England.
Although an actual person, much about the man is cloaked in legend, stoked by controversy, confused by two "Patricks" and lost to history, except for two letters he apparently wrote.
Naomh Pádraig was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland, in about 403, where he was a shepherd. He escaped back to Cumbria, and following a vision he had upon his return to "come and walk among us" in Ireland, he became ordained as a priest and became a missionary to Ireland.
Subsequently, he became a bishop. Contrary to lore, he did drive out any snakes, as Ireland had no snakes. This legend may actually refer to his Druid encounters and the Christian association of snakes to false doctrine.
He apparently died on March 17, 460, although even that is subject to debate.
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Walls Castle, Ravenglass: the possible site of the Arthurian Lyons Garde or St Patrick's birthplace, in Cumbria, Great Britain
This answer was edited by Peanutbred 725 days ago.
Reason: Syntax
