St. Judoc
(Died AD 675)
(Welsh: Iudog; Latin: Iudocus; French: Josse; English: Joyce)

Prince Judoc (or Josse, as he was commonly called in France) was educated at the monastery of San Maelmon. On the abdication of his brother, King Judicael of Domnonée, around 636, Judoc immediately ascended the Domnonian throne. He asked for eight days to consider his position, but decided he too preferred the religious life and fled to Ponthieu where he became chaplain to the local Count. Judoc later retired from the World to Ray where he set up a small hermitage. Unfortunately, the locals took to worrying him for miracle cures and he was forced to move to Caer-Runiac (Saint-Josse-sur-Mer) to escape them. He lived there thirteen years, and then in the Valley of Pidrague before travelling on a pilgrimage to Rome. Judoc died some time after his return, on 13th December 675. St. Judoc's bones were enshrined at Saint-Josse, before being taken to Winchester New Minster (and later Hyde Abbey) in 902 by some refugee monks. Hence his popularity in England.

Records of St. Judoc date back to the 11th century. He could well be historic.

 

    © Nash Ford Publishing 2001. All Rights Reserved.