William of Perth

Saint William of Perth
Stained glass window in Rochester Cathedral, late 19th century
Martyr
Born	12th century Perth, Scotland
Died	c. 1201 Rochester, England
Venerated in	Catholic Church, Scottish Episcopal Church[1]
Canonized	1256 by Pope Alexander IV
Feast	May 23
Attributes	Walking staff. Palmer's wallet. Little dog.[citation needed]
Patronage	Adopted children

Saint William of Perth (died c. 1201), also known as Saint William of Rochester was a Scottish saint who was martyred in England. He is the patron saint of adopted children. Following his death, he gained local acclaim and was canonised by Pope Alexander IV in 1256.

William was a devout individual and a baker who gave every tenth loaf of bread to the poor. He adopted an abandoned child and taught him his trade. Years later they set off on a pilgrimage. His adopted son, intending to rob him, murdered William. The Bishop of Rochester obtained William's canonization and created a shrine in Rochester Cathedral which drew many pilgrims.