Nectan of Hartland was a 5th-century monk born in Ireland who eventually settled in the Kingdom of Brycheiniog. As the eldest son of King Brychan, he chose a life of solitude and lived as a hermit in Hartland, Devon. His life ended violently when he was killed by robbers, reportedly dying after picking up his own head. He is remembered as a holy figure within the Brythonic-speaking regions and serves as the patron saint of Hartland.