Brecon Cathedral – a Must See

If you are staying in the Brecon Beacons National Park, a visit to Brecon Cathedral should be on your list of things to do!

Brecon Cathedral started life in 1093 as the Benedictine Priory of St John the Evangelist, built by the Normans on the site of an earlier Celtic church. At the dissolution of the monasteries in 1537 it became Brecon's Parish Church. Sadly all that survives of the Norman Church is the Font, which is probably the oldest object in the cathedral, and some of the stonework in the walls at the east end of the nave.

The Cathedral has been the Mother Church of the Diocese since 1923 and offers a ministry of worship and welcome to all who visit. Although a building of relatively modest proportions, the Cathedral is set in a walled Close, unique in Wales. The remains of the former monastic buildings today provide the administrative centre for the Diocese as well as housing for the Cathedral clergy and a Heritage Centre and Restaurant. This remarkable collection of buildings is the finest of its kind in Wales.

As you enjoy the wonders of this beautiful cathedral you will come across many items which are linked to a famous battle fought in France, 600 years ago. The victory for Henry V at Agincourt depended in no small part on the skills of the men of Brecon. The Welsh archers pretty much ensured his victory.

The cathedral is just full of interesting things to see – the Rood Screen and Cross, the Crossing, the Sanctuary, and the Havard Chapel which is the War Memorial to the South Wales Borderers and the Monmouthshire Regiment with even the colours from the Zulu War of 1879 on display.

There are brilliant guided tours available and you can even climb the Tower which is a great favourite with younger members of the family!