Press Releases
Saint Patrick: Born in Britain, Made in Ireland
BBC Two – Thursday at 9pm and afterwards on iPlayer
Armagh’s Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic cathedrals named in honour of St Patrick, Saul Church and Down Cathedral are all featured in a new documentary film on the life and legacy of our national patron saint.
Saint Patrick: Born in Britain, Made in Ireland is broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland this evening (Thursday, 20th March) at 9pm, and will be available for watching back over the next year on the BBC iPlayer.
An introduction from BBC Northern Ireland:
Born in Roman Britain fifteen hundred years ago, a young man named Patrick embarked on an extraordinary mission that would change the course of history. Kidnapped from his wealthy Roman–British family and trafficked to Ireland, Patrick endured six years of brutal slavery. But a vision inspired his daring escape, taking him back across the Irish Sea, to where he became a priest. Defying all odds, he then chose to return to Ireland, a decision that would have an enduring effect on the island’s culture and religious life.
This documentary challenges some of the traditional stories about Patrick, placing him within the broader context of a radical Christian movement that swept across Europe at that time. It also explores the pre–Christian culture of Ireland and how Patrick’s Church became a beacon of classical learning, science, and philosophy throughout Europe.
Based on Patrick’s own fifth–century writings, some of the oldest texts in Irish history, this film tells the story of an extraordinary man, his life and legacy. Narrated by Ciarán Hinds and made by the producers of Steps of Freedom and 100 Years of Ulysses, this documentary was filmed at locations across Ireland, the UK, France, Switzerland, and Africa.
It includes contributions from historians including Niamh Wycherley and Damien Bracken, and an original score by Natasa Paulberg performed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
A story of resilience, faith, and how Patrick became a history–maker whose life continues to influence and inspire people around the world. This is a Create One production in association with RTÉ, European broadcaster ARTE and the BBC, produced with the support of Coimisiún na Meán and Tourism Ireland.
Issued by the Church of Ireland Press Office
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