Cardiff's Cathedrals & Castle
Cardiff is a unique city in that it has two cathedrals, each serving a different Christian denomination and boasting its own distinct history and architectural style.
Llandaff Cathedral (Church in Wales)
Here are some photos of this lovely church.
History: Llandaff Cathedral has a rich and ancient history, with a Christian presence on the site dating back to the 6th century. The current building was begun in 1107, and it has been shaped by centuries of change, including damage from the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, the English Civil War, and a massive storm in the 18th century. Its most significant rebuilding followed a German bombing raid in 1941, which left it a ruin. The post-war restoration, completed in 1960, blended new and old architectural elements.
Architecture: The cathedral is a fascinating mix of styles, primarily Gothic but with Romanesque elements. The post-war restoration by architect George Pace introduced modern features, most notably the striking concrete arch that separates the nave and choir.
Notable Features:
"Christ in Majesty": A powerful and famous sculpture by Sir Jacob Epstein, made of unpolished aluminium, which stands on the concrete arch.
Pre-Raphaelite Art: The cathedral houses stained-glass windows and a triptych ("The Seed of David") by prominent Pre-Raphaelite artists, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Medieval Tombs: The cathedral is home to several medieval tombs and effigies, including the tomb of St. Teilo.
Location: Llandaff Cathedral is situated in the historic village of Llandaff, a peaceful area that retains a sense of separation from the bustling city centre.
St David's Metropolitan Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
Here are some photos of this delightful cathedral.
History: St David's Cathedral is a much newer building, constructed in the late 19th century to serve Cardiff's rapidly growing Catholic population. Designed by the firm of Pugin & Pugin, it opened in 1887. It became the Metropolitan Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Cardiff in 1920. Like Llandaff, it suffered extensive damage from a bombing raid in 1941 and was rebuilt in the 1950s.
Architecture: The cathedral was built in a curvilinear Gothic style using local Pennant sandstone. While the exterior can appear dark and imposing, the interior is often described as bright and tranquil.
Notable Features:
Stained Glass: The cathedral has an impressive set of stained-glass windows, including a comprehensive series of scenes from the life of St. David, the patron saint of Wales.
Cardiff Martyrs: A dedicated chapel honours St. Philip Evans and St. John Lloyd, two Roman Catholic priests who were executed in Cardiff in 1679.
Location: In contrast to Llandaff, St David's is located right in the heart of Cardiff city centre, reflecting its role as a focal point for the urban Catholic community.
St John's Church
Officially known as the City Parish of St John the Baptist, it is a historic church located in the heart of Cardiff, Wales. It holds the distinction of being one of the city's oldest buildings still in continuous use, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century.
Here are a few photos of it.
History: Originally a chapel serving Cardiff Castle, the church was severely damaged during the Owain Glyndŵr rebellion in the early 15th century. The current building largely dates from the subsequent rebuilding, which began in the 1440s. After the original St. Mary's Church was destroyed by a flood in the 17th century, St John's became the official parish church of Cardiff.
Architecture: The church is a notable example of the Perpendicular Gothic style. Its most prominent feature is the magnificent 130-foot tower, completed in 1473, which showcases intricate openwork parapets and pinnacles. The interior features elements from various periods, including a Jacobean chapel and extensive Victorian restorations and additions, such as outer aisles.
Notable Features:
The Tower: Widely considered one of the finest examples of Perpendicular architecture in Wales.
Herbert Chapel: Features a unique Jacobean monument to two brothers, Sir John and Sir William Herbert.
"Father Willis" Organ: A historic Henry Willis organ from 1894, which is a Grade I Historic Organ, meaning it is an instrument of national importance.
Stained Glass: The church contains a significant collection of stained glass from the Victorian era and later, including a war memorial window by Christopher Whall.
Role in the Community: St John's continues to be a vibrant centre for worship and a civic church for Cardiff. It is a popular venue for concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures and welcomes thousands of visitors each week, serving as a peaceful haven in the bustling city centre.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a remarkable landmark with a history spanning over 2,000 years, occupying a strategic site that has been used for defense since Roman times. It is a unique blend of a medieval castle and a Victorian Gothic mansion. Here are some photos.
History: The castle's history begins with a series of four Roman forts, with the final one built in stone in the 3rd century. After the Roman withdrawal, the site was largely abandoned until the Normans arrived in the 11th century. They built a motte-and-bailey castle, reusing the Roman fortifications as the basis for the outer walls. The original wooden keep was later replaced with the impressive stone shell keep seen today.
In the 18th century, the castle came into the possession of the Bute family. The family's immense wealth, largely from the coal industry, allowed the 3rd Marquess of Bute to undertake a massive transformation of the castle. Working with eccentric architect William Burges in the late 19th century, he converted the castle into a spectacular Victorian Gothic revival residence, creating lavish and elaborate interiors filled with murals, stained glass, and detailed carvings.
The castle was used as a public air-raid shelter during World War II, with tunnels in the walls capable of protecting up to 2,000 people. In 1947, the 5th Marquess of Bute gifted the castle to the city of Cardiff. It is now owned and operated by Cardiff Council.
Notable Features
The Norman Keep: Situated on a large artificial mound, this impressive twelve-sided stone keep is the most recognisable medieval feature of the castle.
Victorian Apartments: The extravagant interiors created by William Burges are a key draw, with themed rooms like the Arab Room, which features a unique ceiling inspired by Islamic art.
Roman Walls: You can still see significant remains of the original Roman fort walls, which were incorporated into the castle's perimeter.
The Animal Wall: A famous feature of the castle is its outer "animal wall," designed by William Burges, which features carved stone animals such as monkeys, bears, and lions.
The Firing Line Museum: Located within the castle, this museum tells the story of the Welsh soldier.
