1-156-773 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

St Martin of Tours, 4th century (19th century). After converting to Christianity, St Martin (c316-397) lived as a hermit in France at Liguge near Poitiers. His example attracted others to do likewise, leading to the foundation of a Benedictine monastery at Liguge. In c371 he became Bishop of Tours, where he established another monastery. Here, before his conversion and whilst still a soldier, St Martin tears a cloak in two and gives half to a shivering beggar he meets at the gates of Amiens.