Newport Cathedral & St Mary's
Newport, like Cardiff, is home to two significant churches that share a similar name, leading to occasional confusion. The city's official cathedral is St. Woolos, an Anglican cathedral, while St. Mary's is a historic Roman Catholic church.
Newport Cathedral (St. Woolos)
History: The Cathedral Church of St. Woolos has a history that stretches back to the 5th century, when a church was founded on the site by the Welsh saint, Gwynllyw (the Anglicized "Woolos"). The current building is primarily Norman, with a substantial nave and a notable arch dating to the 12th century. The church suffered damage during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr and was later restored, with additions such as the 15th-century tower. It was formally designated the cathedral for the Diocese of Monmouth in 1949.
Architecture: The cathedral is a unique blend of architectural styles. The Norman nave with its massive round pillars and finely carved archway is a highlight. The Perpendicular-style tower and the modern chancel, added in the mid-20th century, show the building's continuous evolution. The striking stained-glass East Window was designed by artist John Piper in 1962.
Significance: It is the "Mother Church" of the Anglican Diocese of Monmouth and the seat of the Bishop of Monmouth. Its long history, from its roots as a pilgrimage site to its modern status as a cathedral, makes it a key part of Newport's heritage.
Here are some photos of the cathedral.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
History: St. Mary's is a much more recent church, built in the 1830s to serve the city's expanding Catholic community, which included many Irish immigrants who had arrived to work in the docks and ironworks. The church was being constructed at the time of the 1839 Chartist Uprising, and the workmen famously refused to join the rioters who marched past the site.
Architecture: The church is a large and impressive example of the Gothic Revival style. A notable and innovative feature for its time was the use of slender cast-iron pillars in the nave, which allowed for a more open and airy interior than traditional stone pillars would have. The design is credited to architect J. J. Scoles.
Notable Features: The church contains memorials to parishioners who died in both World Wars. Its stained glass, particularly the "Assumption of the Virgin" window, was created by the firm of John Hardman & Co., a company closely associated with the famous Gothic Revival architect A. W. N. Pugin.
Here are some photos of St Mary’s
