Gwaladys, Hermit (AC) (also known as Gladys, Gladusa, Claudia)

Born in Wales in the 5th century. One of the 24 children of Brychan of Brecknock, wife of Saint Gundleus, and mother of Saints Cadoc and, possibly, Keyna, Saint Gladys led a very interesting life. It is said that after their conversion by the example and exhortation of their son, she and Gundleus lived an austere life. It included the rather interesting practice throughout the year of taking a nightly baths in the Usk, followed by a mile-long walk in the nude. Her son finally convinced them to end the practice and to separate. Gladys moved to Pencanau in Bassaleg. The details of her story come from a 12th-century vita, which includes miracles that took place in the time of Saint Edward the Confessor and William I (Attwater2, Benedictines, Delaney, Farmer, Husenbeth).