St. Arwald’s Day: 22 April

St. Arwald's Day: 22 AprilDid you know that today is St. Arwald’s day?

We didn’t either until VB reader Mark Francis let us know.

Way back in 686 AD, Arwald was last Jutish King and the last pagan King in England, who lived on the Isle of Wight, apparently. He had two sons (or brothers if you prefer the Wikipedia version), who were put to death by King Cadwall, after their baptism.

As the poor little things were so young, their names are not known, so have gained their Dad’s (or uncle’s) name – Arwald.

It’s still observed by the Catholic church.

Image: starbeard under CC BY 2.0