St. Cyngar of Llangefni
(c. AD 488-c. AD 550)
(Welsh: Cyngar; Latin: Concarius; English: Congar)

Prince Cyngar was the son of King Gerren Llyngesog of Dumnonia, born around AD 488. Scholars believe him to be distinct from the similarly named St. Cungar of Congresbury.

Nothing is known of his early life but, as an mature man, he became a follower of his nephew, St. Cybi Felyn. He accompanied Cybi on his missionary work in Edeligion in South-East Wales and then in Ireland (possibly via Trefilan in Ceredigion) where they settled on the Island of Aran Mor. Here, St. Cybi bought his uncle a cow and a calf, as he could eat no solid food. Unfortunately, once, when the calf was removed, the cow would give no milk and Cyngar nearly died of starvation!

The household of Cybi then moved to the Lleyn Peninsula and Cyngar lived for a while on Ynys Gyngar near Cricieth. They finally established an important monastery at Caer-Gybi (Holyhead) off Ynys Mon (Anglesey). From here, St. Cyngar founded the church of Llangefni where he was probably buried.

He died on 7th November, possibly some time in the mid-6th century.

Records of St. Cyngar date back to the 12th century. He could be historic.

 

    © Nash Ford Publishing 2001. All Rights Reserved.