 Tribal leaders gave St Patrick land |
St Patrick's evangelical travels through Ireland were akin to a modern day rock tour, according to a new book. Historian Rob Vance said the Irish patron saint was an astute operator.
He accepted land and jewels against the church's wishes to fund his 5th century evangelising mission, claims the book.
He also paid tributes to pagan chiefs to woo them to Christianity.
St Patrick is annually celebrated by Irish communities across the world on 17 March.
However, those dipping their shamrocks in green beer may be unaware that the saint was warned by the church about his behaviour.
"Letters were sent to him rebuking him for accepting gifts in that it was bringing the church into disrepute," said Mr Vance.
 Historian says the saint was not corrupted by gifts |
His book, Secret Sights II: Unknown Medieval Ireland, says tribal leaders gave St Patrick land, women gave him jewellery and the saint had to give "sweeteners" for a smooth passage.
"This was quite popular at the time. People would gladly donate things to the church but it was difficult to keep track of this stuff and who got what," said the author.
However, he said the saint was not corrupted by the gifts.
"As an individual he was a man of integrity: he was that rare somebody who genuinely had a Christian vocation," he said.
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