St. Fracan, King of Kernow
(Born c.AD 482)
(Welsh: Fragan; Latin: Bracanus; English: Bracan)

The name is equivalent to the Welsh Brychan. Certainly a cousin of King Cado of Dumnonia, it seems most likely that Fracan was a younger son of King Salom of Kernow (Cornwall). He probably inherited his father's kingdom shortly before he left Britain, with his wife, Gwen Teirbron (the Triple-Breasted) and their children. A pestilence was spreading through their kingdom around AD 507 and they were forced to flee. They landed on the Gouet Estuary in Brittany and Fracan established a large estate now named after him, at Ploufragan. He went on to found a church there and at Saint-Frégan (near Lesneven). Hence his saintly reputation.

Fracan once had a stormy argument with King Riwal Mawr Marchou of Domnonée concerning the speed of their two horses. Fracan organised a race, but there was an accident and his jockey was injured. Luckily however, his son, St. Winwaloe, was on hand to heal the poor lad.

Records of St. Fracan date back to the 9th century. He may well be historic.

    © Nash Ford Publishing 2001. All Rights Reserved.