St william of rochester biography template

Scottish martyred humanitarian

Saint William of Perth (died c. 1201), also known as Saint William of Rochester or Saint Liam was a Scottishsaint who was martyred in England.

He is the patron saint of adopted children.

St william of rochester biography template printable

Following his death, he gained local acclaim and was canonised by Pope Alexander IV in 1256.

William was a devout individual and a baker who gave every tenth loaf of bread to the poor. He adopted an abandoned child and taught him his trade.

Years later they set off on a pilgrimage. William was murdered, and his adopted son suspected of the crime intending to rob him.

St william of rochester biography template

The Bishop of Rochester obtained William's canonization and created a shrine in Rochester Cathedral which drew many pilgrims.

Life

Little is known about the life of William, and practically all information regarding him comes from Capgrave'sNova Legenda Angliae.

He was born in Perth, at that time one of the principal towns of Scotland. In youth, he had been somewhat wild