A story of the Christian faith in Wales, Where The Saints Came From sets out to discover how the religion has developed from its arrival here in late-Roman times. Anne Hayward’s pilgrimage walks, as described here, cover over 40 different religious sites containing artefacts that reveal a lot about early church life and how people identified with being Christian then.

What is known about these saints, from their early settlements and associated relics, provide fascinating historical insight, and these out-of-the-way places offer a chance to step back and reflect on some amazing landmarks: an old Celtic bell, hanging from a beam in a church, was once used to summon people to worship.  With much of the land untouched, there is much to discover about our rich history in these ancient pathways.

Where The Saints… shows how the Christian faith has expanded rapidly: seen as a missional faith in earlier times, its historical development is charted by Hayward. Wales’ part in this is thoroughly detailed through accounts of pioneers who started the societies and establishments which have shaped the Christian faith today in Wales.  A great inspiration to walkers everywhere, who may be inspired to follow these routes as contemporary pilgrims themselves.