A life-size wooden sculpture of an infamous 6th Century Celtic church warrior saint is to be erected in Thornhill.
The sculpture of St Derfel Gadarn (The Valiant) was commissioned by the Ancient Cwmbran and the Cistercians Partnership.
It will be unveiled at Thornhill’s Communities First annual St Derfel’s Day celebrations on Tuesday 6 April at 11.30am by Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington.
Derfel is celebrated in Medieval Welsh poetry as a follower of King Arthur and one of only seven survivors of King Arthur’s 6th Century battle at Camlan.
Ancient Cwmbran and the Cistercians Partnership project manager Richard Davies said: “Following this battle, it is believed Derfel built two churches, one in north Wales and the other in Cwmbran at what is now known as Llanderfel Farm.
“Both churches became sites of pilgrimage in the medieval period and thousands of pilgrims every year visited these shrines to pray to St Derfel.
“It is believed that there was a tradition that Derfel could enter hell and retrieve the lost soul of a relative of the praying pilgrim.
“History records describe a wooden stature of St Derfel with a legend attached claiming that if it was burnt, it would burn down an entire forest.
“This is new sculpture, which sculptor David Lloyd has been commissioned to make, will be a fitting tribute to this infamous and historically-important saint.”
The Ancient Cwmbran and Cistercians Partnership consists of Cwmbran Historical Society, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, University of Wales, Newport, Torfaen Museum Trust, Communities First Thornhill, the Co-Star Partnership and Torfaen council.
Councillor Bob Wellington, leader of Torfaen council and chair of the partnership, said: “This is an exciting project allowing us to unearth the secrets of several sites of historical interest in Thornhill and Greenmeadow, one of which dates back more than 3,500 years.
“Learning about local heritage is a passion for so many people and archaeological initiatives like the Ancient Cwmbran and Cistercians Partnership are a rewarding and enjoyable way of doing this.
“Not only are archaeologists working with residents to investigate the sites, other aspects of the project celebrate the medieval pilgrim heritage of the area through an arts project to commemorate St Derfel and the production of a heritage circular walks leaflet.
“St Derfel was a unique individual and people visiting Thornhill will continue to be inspired by his legacy for years to come.”
For more information on the Ancient Cwmbran and Cistercians Partnership, contact 07775 788352 or visit www.ancientcwmbran.co.uk
