Rare 1588 Welsh Bible Returns to Wales for First Time – On Display at St Davids Cathedral
One of the most significant texts in Welsh history, the first complete translation of the Bible into Welsh, printed in 1588 has arrived in St Davids for its first-ever public display in Wales, offering visitors a rare chance to view a cultural treasure.
The translation, completed by Bishop William Morgan under the reign of Elizabeth I, was a landmark in preserving the Welsh language and expanding access to scripture in the vernacular. The edition being displayed was gifted by Morgan to Westminster Abbey, where it has remained for over 430 years.
Now, for the first time since its printing, this particular Bible has returned to Welsh soil. It will be on public view at St Davids Cathedral the spiritual heart of Wales and a place of deep national and linguistic significance from 17 June to 9 July 2025.
“It is a special treasure of the Welsh language and we are honoured to have it in St Davids Cathedral,” said The Right Rev Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids.
Located in the UK’s smallest city, both Twr y Felin, a former windmill turned contemporary art hotel, and Penrhiw Priory, a luxurious historic property with deep-rooted connections to the cathedral, offer unique accommodation options for visitors coming to experience this historic event.
- Twr y Felin
- Penrhiw Priory
Just a short walk from the cathedral, Penrhiw Priory once served as the cathedral’s vicarage and retains a serene, spiritual atmosphere that reflects its heritage. Today, it offers guests a peaceful retreat in landscaped grounds, making it an ideal base for those wishing to engage with the cultural and religious legacy of St Davids.
“This exhibition is a rare opportunity to witness a cornerstone of Welsh identity,” said Emma Bowen of Retreats Group. “It is especially meaningful to host it here in St Davids.”
The Bible, printed on paper, bound in leather and wood, and once chained to Westminster Abbey’s library shelves, remains in excellent condition. Only 900 copies were originally produced, most of which were used regularly and are now in far poorer states of preservation.
Whether visiting for a day or staying in the historic comfort of Twr y Felin or Penrhiw Priory, this exhibition is a must-see cultural moment for faith, language, and heritage in Wales.
