A Brief History of St. Patrick's Day
Mansell Collection
The Man Himself
While images of St. Patrick usually depict him driving the snakes out of
Ireland, the Emerald Isle's patron saint is more well-known as the man
who converted it to Christianity in the 5th century. Born in
Britain, St. Patrick was first brought to Ireland by kidnappers who sold him
into slavery. After escaping and returning home, he later went back to
Ireland to preach and build churches. St. Patrick's
Day, March 17, marks the anniversary of his death.
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