The tale of the real life saint named 'Saint Gallus'

There's no doubt that St Mungo is one of the most well known historical people to represent Glasgow.

But if there was ever a word that encapsulated our city perfectly, then we reckon the term 'gallus' would be right up there - a word used to describe that dyed-in-the-wool Glaswegian who is a wee bit cheeky, daring or impressive.

It's so linked with Glasgow that it has lent its name to a Partick pub, an album by local rockers Gun and the professional wrestling stable composed of Glasgow grapplers Joe Coffey, Wolfgang and Mark Coffey.

So imagine our surprise when we found out that there's a Saint who went by the name of St Gallus?

One that we think should receive his own veneration in the city for his belter of a name alone. Maybe he could even 'pally up' with our own St Mungo on the pages of history.

St Mungo (Glasgow Life)

As our founder and patron saint, the city's motto of 'Let Glasgow Flourish' is said to derive from one of St Mungo's sermons, while the Glasgow coat of arms relates to the life and legend of the man buried within Glasgow Cathedral.

With Mungo's mother Thenew (aka St Enoch) is also recognised within Glasgow, with St Enoch's Square believed to be the site of her burial ground.

Records indicate that St Mungo lived from 528 to 614, not too far removed of that of St Gallus, who was born in Ireland in the year 550 and died in 646 in Arbon, Switzerland.

Traditionally referred to as St Gall or Sankt Gallen in German, the town of St. Gallen in Switzerland grew around the Abbey of St Gall, which is said to have been built at the site of the hermitage established by the missionary in AD 612.

(Bar Gallus/Facebook)

And outwith having a wheel shaped hard cheese made after him, legend has it that his sole friend in his later years was a bear, who used to carry logs to the saint so that he could light his fire - the same bear that is on the coat of arms for the town of St. Gallen.

A right gallus guy it seems, and we think he fits the bill as a person who should also be worshipped and revered within the city! Even if in one particular Partick boozer only.

Article first published on June 30, 2019.