Despite the overwhelming victory of the pagan Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the fifth century, one part of Britain continued in the waysof Christianity—Wales, the land west of the Wye River.

David was born around the year 500 in Menevia. Little is knownof his early life, but, while still fairly young, he founded a monastery near Menevia and became its abbot. He is said to have been strict in governing of his own monastery, yet loving in his treatment and correction of wrongdoers. He required monks to pull ploughs themselves rather than relying on animal labor, and to spend every evening in spiritual reading and writing. No personal possessions were permitted, and to even say “my book” or “my robe” were offenses, since monks had only the use of those things, not the possession of them. One of his nicknames, “the Waterman,” may indicate that he allowed the monks in his care to drink only water at meals instead of the customary wine or mead.

David’s strongest desire was to study and meditate in the quiet of his monastery, but he was virtually dragged to an assembly of bishops called to combat the heresy of Pelagianism. Once there, David proved to be so eloquent and learned that Archbishop Dubricius chose him as his own successor as Primate of Wales. In time, David founded eleven other monasteries in Wales and made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

A scholar, a competent administrator, and a man of moderation, David filled the offices he held with distinction. He became a leader and guardian of the Christian faith in Wales. Eventually, he moved the center of episcopal government to Menevia, which is still an episcopal city, now called Ty-Dewi (House of David).