Tydecho was a 6th-century saint and hermit who lived in Wales. According to the life of Saint Padarn, he arrived in Wales from Armorica, a location that may refer to Brittany or a specific region in southeast Wales. As the son of Amwn Ddu and a cousin to Saint Cadfan, he traveled through Wales alongside his relative. Following the death of King Arthur, Tydecho chose the life of an anchorite, eventually settling in the Mawddwy region with his sister, Tegfedd.
Life and works
Tydecho established several churches, including those at Llanymawddwy, Mallwyd, Garthbeibio, and Cemmaes, as well as a chapel in Llandegfan. He obtained land for these sites through various means, such as securing compensation from a man named Cynon after rescuing his sister from kidnapping. Legend says he practiced agriculture using oxen, though stories claim he once successfully used wild stags and a wolf to plough his fields.
Legends and veneration
Local traditions recount that the prince Maelgwn Gwynedd once tormented the saint, only to be forced to apologize after being unable to rise from a rock. Another tale describes Tydecho turning a river into milk to assist a milkmaid. He is commemorated in the Catholic tradition with a feast day on 17 December, and his deeds have been celebrated in Welsh poetry.