Gallery
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The baptistry near Madron Well -
Basin in the south-west corner of the baptistry -
Altar at the eastern end of the baptistry -
A wayside cross, Boswarthen (near Madron Well)
Saint Madron or Maddern was a Pre-Congregational Saint, monk and hermit.[1]
He is honoured in Cornwall at St Maddern's Church in the village of Madron. He also has a Holy well, noted for its healing powers.[2][3]
Madron was born in Cornwall and was a disciple of Saint Ciarán of Saigir.[citation needed] Very little is known of him except that many miracles were attributed to him.[4] He died c.545 AD near Land's End, Cornwall, and is remembered in Madron Parish Church (Madron Village) and his Feast Day is 17 May.
John T. Koch [5] has suggested that the saint was not a historical figure but rather a Christianisation of the Mythical Celtic Modron the mother goddess. Indeed, some aspects of the veneration at Madron's well do appear to derive from Pagan origins.
Others [6][7] have suggested that the saint's life is a retelling of the story of St. Madrun, a daughter of Vortimer, a king of Gwent.
