FAQ's

Contrary to popular belief St Dunstan’s holds Saint Odilia as the Patron Saint of the blind.

Saint Odilia was born blind in France in the seventh century and her father wanted to have her put to death. Because of her mother's pleas it was agreed to give Odilia away anonymously to a peasant.

At the age of twelve Odilia was placed in a convent at Baume. Baptized by Bishop Saint Erhard of Regensberg her eyes opened when they were touched by chrism during the baptismal liturgy. When her father was told of the miracle he was so angry at his son for arranging for Odilia's return that he struck and killed him. Later the father repented and accepted Odilia and he agreed to let her turn his castle into a convent. She became Abbess and then found another convent at Niedermunster. Odilia died on 13 December around the year 720.

Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury in the 10th century was not involved in the naming of St Dunstan’s nor was he the Patron Saint of the blind. He is the Patron Saint of jewellers, goldsmiths, locksmiths and blacksmiths.

St Dunstan’s Lodge has an interesting history.

The third Marquess of Hertford owned a house in Regent’s Park. Situated within the grounds, near to the house, was a large clock which he had purchased from a church (St Dunstan-in-the West, Fleet Street, London) in 1830.  Through acquiring the clock he decided to call his house St Dunstan’s Villa.  It was later renamed St Dunstan's Lodge by a subsequent owner. 

Otto Kahn lent his residence, St Dunstan's Lodge, to the organisation in 1915.  From the name of the lodge, our charity became known as St Dunstan's.