Saint Grwst was a 6th or 7th-century saint who lived and worked within the Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd. Born to a prince of Rheged and a princess of Din Eiddin, he was the great-grandson of King Urien Rheged. Historical accounts suggest he may have been invited to Wales by King Maelgwn Gwynedd to establish a religious cell. Known as Grwst the Confessor, he is recorded as a witness to a charter granted to Saint Kentigern.
Life and origins
Grwst was the son of Gwaith Hengaer and Euronwy. While some traditions place his activities in the mid-6th century, other genealogical records suggest he belonged to a later generation, likely active during the early 7th century. He is associated with the era of Christian missionaries who received charters from the Gwynedd monarchy to settle throughout the kingdom.
Veneration and legacy
He is recognized as the founder of Llanrwst, where his original religious site once stood. His feast day is celebrated on 1 December, a festival historically known as Gwyl Rwst. During the 16th century, an annual fair was held on the grounds of the first church dedicated to him, and the surrounding area was referred to as Gwgrwstw in his honor.