The old saying goes that you should ’Never Judge a Book by its cover’. Perhaps the same is also true of some Cathedrals.
Our first views of Brecon Cathedral were to say the least disappointing. I expect the Cathedral to rather dominate its location stating its authority over all it surveys’. Brecon Cathedral is built on a rather confining round site, hemmed in by other buildings….getting a clear view that does it justice is hard.
It is suggested that this circular site is because it was once the location of a very early Celtic Church, that may be so, but what is known is that the current church can be dated back to it Norman Priory roots of 1093. As a religious building it has had a chequered history and seen turbulent times. The Dissolution of the Monasteries was bad, but after that the Church as it was, fell into structural decay, only the Nave being useable. Restoration started in the late 1800’s and completed about 1914. Shortly after it became recognised as Brecon Cathedral under the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.
Step inside and you and you are in for a big and very pleasant surprise. Suddenly the dower exterior becomes a sparkling bright and very spacious interior. Stand at the foot of the Nave and enjoy the Norman arches and sculptured stone work….quiet spectacular So you see – Never judge a book by its cover!
30th MAY
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 