St. Tewdric was a warrior king who drove English invaders out of Wales in a battle at Tintern, around AD 600. He lived as a Christian hermit and in old age came out of retirement to lead his troops. He was wounded in the battle and died three days later. His remains lie in his own church at Mathern near Chepstow. He passed on his kingdom to his son, Meurig, in a state of peace, justice and prosperity, maintained by King Meurig for his reign of more than 30 years. St. Tewdric was the inspiration for an early opera, written and performed by students for the Priesthood at St. Omers seminary,...