| The
building one sees today is of course not the original, for the
Cathedral has been rebuilt on several occasions. The first stone
one being erected by Bishop David between ll20 and ll39.
The 'Cathedral' has suffered immense damage throughout its history
having been severely burnt on several occasions, both during local
conflicts between the Princes of Gwynedd and by them against 'Longshanks'
Edward Ist of England.
In
1402 it suffered severe damage once again when Owain Glyndwr made
his advance into the north; for it was garrisoned by English troops
and their fight to retain it was bitter; with Owain losing many
men.
Then again late in l5th century extensive rebuilding was again
undertaken, for the Cathedral had suffered saver damage during
the English Civil War. Finally in the nineteenth century, Sir
Gilbert Scott was asked to supervise a drastic restoration. It
is the result of his endeavours which can be seen today; a Victorian
creation which completely hides any part of the original Cathedrals
that once stood on this hallowed turf.
Despite
all the destruction and rebuilding which has occurred, the Cathedral
holds some great treasures. None more so than perhaps the tomb
of the Great Owain Gwynedd, for he lies under the high alter.
However, Owain is not the only one to be buried in the Cathedral,
for he is but one of three Princes of Gwynedd that are buried
here, another of the three being his troublesome brother Cadwaldr.
On
the walls are murals which depict the six cathedrals of Wales
and notable men of the Welsh Church from Dubricius (Dyfrig ) to
the first Archbishop of Wales, A.G. Edwards. The Cathedral also
contains a memorial to poet Goronwy Owen, who left his native
Wales to teach at William and Mary College in Virginia in the
mid-eighteenth century.
Yes Bangor Cathedral is as much part of our history as any castle
in Wales. |
