St David's Bishop's Palace (South Wales)

Imposing palace within the defended perimeter of the cathedral precincts

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Information provided Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Introduction

Imposing palace within the defended perimeter of the cathedral precincts. The surviving buildings date chiefly from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, particularly the work of Bishop Thomas Bek (1280-93) and Bishop Henry de Gower (1328-47). It is de Gower's celebrated arcaded parapet which is one of the glories of the site. 

History to the present day

The Bishop of St David’s was one of the wealthier landlords of the middle ages. They were princes of the church as well as Marcher Lords in their own right and owed allegiance only directly to the king. As a result, these powerful prelates created a group of medieval buildings without equal anywhere west of Offa's Dyke. Although it lies in ruins, the palace remains a work of magnificent architectural. The cathedral close was surrounded by a precinct wall and one of the four gates known as Porth y Twr dates back to the beginning of the fourteenth century and still remains standing.

Edward I and his queen made a pilgrimage to St 1284 and their visit may have well have highlighted the deficiencies of the early medieval palace. At this time, bishop Thomas Bek (1280-93) began an extensive building program which included the chapel in the south-west corner, the hall and the private apartments, and the gate.
The man who left the most emphatic imprint on the palace was Bishop Henry de Gower (1328-47). He carried out major works in the cathedral and built the Great Hall, which remains undoubtedly the finest range. A sense of graceful unity was added to the palace with the striking and distinctive arcaded parapet.
Further additions and alterations to the palace were made by later bishops, but with the Reformation inevitable decay and ruin set in.
 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: St David's Bishop's Palace, South Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening Times:

 

01.11.09 - 31.03.10: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.04.10 - 30.06.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.07.10 - 31.08.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 18.00

01.09.10 - 31.10.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.11.10 - 28.02.11: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.03.11 - 31.03.11: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00 

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult: £3.00

Concession: £2.60

Family: £8.60

Entry is free for Welsh residents aged 60 and over or 16 and under who have a valid pass. 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.