Saint Brannoc | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6th century supposedlyWales |
| Died | Braunton in NorthDevon |
| Venerated in | Anglican Communion Orthodox Church[1] Roman Catholicism |
| Majorshrine | Braunton in North Devon (destroyed) |
| Feast | 26 June or 7 January. |
Brannoc of Braunton orSaint Brannock was aChristiansaint associated with the village ofBraunton in theEnglish county ofDevon. His feast is 7 January.
The history of St Brannoc is confused – some sources conflate him withSaint Brynach, howeverExeter Cathedral celebrates the feast of Brynach on 7 April and that of Brannoc on 7 January so it is unlikely that they are the same saint.[2][3] In contrast, Braunton celebrates St Brannock's Day on the 26 June.
Brannock migrated fromSouth Wales to establish amonastery at Braunton in the 6th century.[4][5] Braunton church was dedicated to him from at least 854 and in theMiddle Ages it was believed that he was buried in the church[6] with bothWilliam of Worcester andLeland stating that he was buried there.[7] Tradition states that he first built his church on a hill overlooking Braunton, but it collapsed. In a dream he was told to look for a sow and seven piglets for the site to build his new church. This story is commemorated in one of the stained glass windows and in a roof boss ofSt Brannock's Church, Braunton.[2]
Records suggest thatSt Winifred's Church, Branscombe held St Brannoc's arm as a relic, though it was taken toMilton Abbey inDorset in 933 on the orders ofKing Athelstan.[8]
