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Biography

Herbaud of Brittany

Portrait of Herbaud of Brittany

About Herbaud of Brittany

Herbaud, also called Herbot, is remembered as a hermit in Brittany. Nominis preserves a tradition that he came from Britain to live in solitude near Quimper.

The Diocese of Quimper and Léon places him in the eighth century but explicitly cautions that his life is not securely known. Its account remembers prayer, penance and affection for animals.

Rural communities invoked him for cattle. His tomb is venerated at Saint-Herbot, and the diocese identifies him as patron of its church. It also names him as secondary patron of Saint-Cadou chapel at Gouesnac’h and records other chapel dedications.

This local remembrance is clearer than the chronology of his lifetime. The diocesan notice celebrates him on October 20.

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