The church-history of Brittany from the beginning of Christianity to the Norman conquest under Roman governours, Brittish kings, the English-Saxon heptarchy, the English-Saxon (and Danish) monarchy ... : from all which is evidently demonstrated that the present Roman Catholick religion hath from the beginning, without interruption or change been professed in this our island, &c. / by R.F., S. Cressy of the Holy Order of S. Benedict.

II. CHAP.* 1.1

1.2. &c. S. Kentigern forced to flye into Wales: where he founds a Monastery, and Episcopall See: Of Malgo, a Prince who opposed him.

1. BEfore we proceed to the Gests of Conan Successour to Constantin in the King∣dom of Brittany, it will be requisite that we relate a great affliction and persecution which befell the famous and Holy Bishop Kentigern in the second year of the raign of the said Constantin. His Birth, Education & consecration to the Bishoprick of Glasco, with the defects attending it, have been already declared.

2. Now in pursuance of his succeding Gests,* 1.2 Iohn of Tinmouth thus writes: Certain Sons of Belial kinsmen to King Marke rose against the Saint, conspiring his death. Whereupon being admonished by Divine revelation, he departed directing his journey to Menevia, where the Holy Bishop David flourished with all vertues. Near Caër-leon he converted many to the Faith and built a Church. Being come to S. David, he abode with him some time; and received from the Prince of that Region, Cathwallam a place commodious for a Monastery: Which having erected at Egla (Elwy) he fixed there an Episcopall See. Near that place there was a certain Noble man, which often threatned and effectually endeavoured to expell him from thence, whom God therefore smote with blindnes: But upon the holy Bishops prayers

his sight was restored:* 1.3 for which he became ever after his helper and protectour.

3. There were assembled in that Monastery no fewer then nine hundred sixty five Brethren, who all lived under Monasticall Discipline, serving God with great abstinence. Of which number three hundred who were illiterate, he appointed to tilling of the ground and guard of the Cattell, out of the Monastery. Other three hundred he assigned for preparing nourishment and performing other necessary works within the Monastery: And three hundred sixty five who were learned, he deputed to the celebrating Divine offices dayly: Not any of which without great necessity would he permitt to goe out of the Monastery, but ordaind them to attend there continually as in Gods Sanctuary.

4. And this part of the Convent he divided so into troops and companies, that when one had finished the service of God in the Church, another presently entred and begun it againe: which being ended, a third without any delay entred. I•• this means Prayers were offred in that Church without any intermission, and the praises of God were allways in their mouths.

5. Among these there was one, named Asaph, more especially illustrious for his descent and form, who from his childhood shone bright∣ly both with vertues and miracles, and day∣ly endeavoured to imitate his Master in all Sanctity and abstinence. To him the Man of God bore ever after a particular affection, and committed the care of the Monastery to his prudence, and in conclusion appointed him his Successour in the Bishoprick.

* 1.46. As touching the forementioned Noble¦man who opposed this Holy Bishop, B. God∣win thus writes in his Catalogue: Saint Ken∣tigern at first built a Church of wood and lime: but afterward he renewd it of stone, although he was therein much hindred and molested by a certain Prince named Malgo or Maglocun, whose dwelling was six miles from thence at De∣g••nwy. But afterward being asswaged, he per∣mitted him to place there an Episcopall See: on which he bestowd both ample possessions and pri∣viledges: Doing the same likewise to the Mona∣stery. The See is by some called Elguy, or Llan∣elwy, so named from the River Elwy near which it was seated. And of that Church Saint Kenti∣gern was the first Bishop. But in succeeding times it was called Saint Asaphs, from his name who sate there Bishop next after.

7. As touching this Prince Maglocunus or Malgo Conanus,* 1.5 he is mentioned by Gildas, but deeply accused by him to have been though an expeller of many Tyrants, yet withall as he was greater then many in power, so like∣wise in malice. Of him more hereafter.

Notes

• * 1.1

  II. CHAH.
• * 1.2

  A. D. 543. Ap. Capg••. in vitâ S. Ken∣tigerni. Vsher. in Chr.
• * 1.3

  A. D. 545.
• * 1.4

  Godwin. in catalog. in Episc. Asaph.
• * 1.5

  Gild. in Ex∣cid.