Patrick of Ireland

Also: Patricius, Saint Patrick, Pádraig

Born perhaps between 385 and 420, in Bannavem Taburniae (now site not known; western Britain). Died perhaps between 457 and 493; the place is not known.

A Briton whom raiders took to Ireland as a slave when he was sixteen. He escaped, and later went back as a bishop to preach to the Irish.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

432 to 461Hibernia (now Ireland)bishop and missionaryyears by tradition, place not sureHe names no town of his own. Armagh is a later claim. As a youth he was a slave in Ireland for six years.

Works

2 works, in the order they were written. 2 works can be read here.

Confessionfifth century · perhaps in Hibernia (now Ireland, region) · autobiographyHis own account of his life and mission, written in old age.12,644 words
Letter to Coroticusfifth century · perhaps in Hibernia (now Ireland, region) · letterAn open letter against the soldiers of a British chief who killed and enslaved his converts.1,809 words

How we know the dates and places

Born not sure: No sure source. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Patrick'.
Place of birth sure: Patrick, Confession 1
He names the village. Nobody knows where in Britain it was.
Died not sure: The Annals of Ulster give 457, 461 and 493
Place of death not known: No early source. Later tradition says Saul, near Downpatrick.
Hibernia, years by tradition: Patrick, Confession; the year 432 is from the Irish annals
Hibernia, place not sure: Patrick, Confession; the year 432 is from the Irish annals