St Davids
St David's and the Cathedral Close
St David’s in Pembrokeshire is a city and community its full name is St David's and the Cathedral Close it is Britain’s smallest in both size and population.
This Norman cathedral is regarded, as one of the top building’s to visit in Wales. For a thousand years it was the heart of welsh Christendom today this building is one of Britain’s most beautiful set in a rugged and scenic landscape It is rich in legends and history.
The present Cathedral was begun in 1181 and completed not long after; it has had a stormy history.
From the collapse of the new tower in 1220, and earthquake damage in 1247/48, as well as at one point been almost completely destroyed by Oliver Cromwell.
The the body of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond and father of Henry VII, was brought to be entombed in front of the High Altar from the dissolved Greyfriars’ Priory in Carmarthen.
Over the centuries is has suffered raids by Vikings as well as damage by the English, the dissolution of the Monarchy and the establishment of the Puritan Commonwealth by Oliver Cromwell had devastating effect on many Cathedrals and Churches in Britain , and none more so than St David's. The Cathedral was all but destroyed by Cromwell’s forces, and the lead stripped from the Bishop’s Palace roof.
City status was restored in 1994 at the request of Queen Elizabeth II. Asser, mentor of King Alfred the Great and writer of his biography, was a monk at St David’s before being called into Alfred's service.
Activities in St Davids
Walking in Britain
Pembrokeshire Coastal path - Coastal Path
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