2nd century. This early saint gave his name to Abingdon, formerly
Abbendun, in Berkshire England. The use of "dun" ("fortress" or "seat")
indicates a Celtic origin, which, if true, would make Abban the earliest
Irish saint. He is saint to have come from Ireland to England, where he
was baptized about 165 AD. He preached effectively and received a
generous land grant in Berroccense (Berkshire) on which he founded a
monastery. Another monastery, funded by Prince Cissa and founded by
Hean, replaced this one in 685
(
D'Arcy,
Fitzpatrick2,
Montague,
O'Hanlon).