St David's Tourist Information Pembrokeshire

St David's Town and St David's Ancient History

The coastal scenery around St David's is some of the most stunning along all the Welsh coast. The rocks around St David's are old, around 6000 million years old! Rock collision during the Pre-Cambrian period of drifting continents resulted in buckling and you can see this for yourself in the cliff faces at St David's. The focus today tends to be on the religious history of the area - the Patron Saint of Wales St David was born here. Alongside ancient religious history sits the focus on superb surfing conditions and beach activities at renowned Whitesands Bay, or boat trips across The RSPB reserve Ramsey Island.

Take time though to explore the many ancient Neolithic sites particularly, for example the rocky outcrop Clegyr Boia was once the locatioin of a Neolithic village. Various tombs, iron age forts and bronze age standing stones are in this area of Pembrokeshire. (visit the St David's National Park Visitor Centre for leaflets and details).

St David's is most renowned for being the birthplace of the Patron Saint of Wales - St David, who is thought to have been born down on St Non's bay - a ruined chapel and spring mark the spot. This spot has been a sacred location for pilgrims for around 4000 years, particularly during the Middle Ages. Pilgrims still come here! St David's really evolved off the back of pilgrimages - money came flowing into the area and the church grew pretty rich, hence the mammoth Cathedral and ornate Bishops Palace were built.

St Davids National Park Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6NW. 01437 720392.

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St David's Cathedral Pembrokeshire

St David's Cathedral is actually built on the site of a 6th century monastery, and pilgrims have been coming here for many hundreds of years. You're touching ancient Welsh history on your visit to St David's. Building work on the present ornate cathedral began in 1181 and since that date it's seen many an addition as well as destruction of various parts. Parliamentary soldiers had a good old go at it during the Civil War, and in 1973 the West front was rebuilt by Nash.

St David's Cathedral is the holiest site in Wales - there's a permanently reserved stall inside for the reigning monarch - the only cathedral in the UK to have this. Renowned architect George Gilbert Scott (designer of St Pancras station in London) undertook extensive work on St David's Cathedral in the 19th century between 1862 and 1877.

As spectacular inside as it is outside, the Cathedral's interior pillars date fom the 12th century. The detailed decoration, colour and carvings of the interior are truly astounding. Even if you're not interested in religious history, you'll marvel at the architectural skill and detail of this building. Look to the distinctive sloping floor and the stunning ceilings of oak in the Nave. Watch out also for the statue of St David in the pulpitum situated between the nave and choir.

Guided tours are offered, and you can prebook these via the Cathedral's website (link right). St Davids Cathedral, St Davids, SA62 6RF. Tel: 01437 720202 or 720204. Open daily from 8am to 6pm. Admission is free/donations welcome.

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St David's Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire

Just across the stream from the Cathedral lies the Bishop's Palace mostly built in the 14th century. (some parts do date from the 12th century). More has been added on through the years including the wall and fortified gates during the 12th and 13th centuries, spruced up indeed ready for royal visits from Henry II in 1172, and Edward I with Queen Eleanor in 1284.

The splendid Great Hall was added by Bishop Henry de Gower between 1328 to 1347 - the Wheel Window in here is breathtaking! After the Reformation of the Church in the 1530s the Palace was neglected somewhat, with various Bishops preferring more inland bases such as Abergwili outside Carmarthen. CADW now cares for the ruins and it's seeing somewhat of a revival. Open air plays are often held here in the Summer months.

St Davids Bishops Palace, St Davids, SA62 6PX. Tel: 01437 720517.

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