St David's Cathedral is situated in the tiny city of St David's in Pembrokeshire. Dedicated to Saint Andrew and Saint David, it is one of the earliest British cathedrals, the first Norman church having been begun in about 1115. Unlike most other medieval cathedrals, its origins are still very plain in its outward appearance. Work continued on the cathedral over several centuries. The square central tower, which collapsed in 1220, was soon rebuilt. The Lady Chapel was constructed between 1328 and 1347, and the upper portions of the nave and second stage of the tower date from the 15th century. A remodelling of the ageing west front was commissioned in the late 18th century from the Welsh architect, John Nash. Most of the stone used in the building of the cathedral was quarried locally. Fund-raising is currently underway to rebuild the cloisters.
Despite having been a continuously Christian country since Roman times, Wales was never able to boast many great churches. However, St David's was a place of pilgrimage from the time of David's canonisation. A monastery had existed there since the 5th century and it duly became the centre of a Benedictine priory.
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Last updated: 08-05-2005 02:00:43
