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Brecon Cathedral

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Overview

Brecon’s cathedral is set in a walled close – a feature unusual in Wales, but reflecting its monastic origin. A Benedictine priory was founded here in the 11th century, possibly on the site of a Celtic church. Carvings on the massive Norman stone font are particularly vivid today. When the monastery was dissolved by Henry VIII, the church was adopted by the town. Steady decay was halted in the 1860s, when major reconstruction of the church took place; it was designated a cathedral in 1923. Alongside the shop, restaurant and tearoom is a magnificent wooden tithe barn, dating to the 17th century, which now houses a heritage exhibition about the cathedral. The cathedral also houses the sharpening stone used by archers who fought at Agincourt 600 years ago. Inside, in the Harvard Chapel, look out for the ‘colours’ (flags) of the South Wales Borderers who fought in the Zulu wars at the end of the 19th century.

Features

Opening Times
Open all year
Opening Times: Open all year, daily 8.30–6.30

Facilities
Parking onsite
Cafe

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Location

The Cathedral Office, The Cathedral Close, BRECON, LD3 9DP

About the area

The largest unitary authority in Wales, Powys covers an area of approximately 2,000 square miles. Much of that is mountainous because it actually has the lowest population density of all the Welsh counties.

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Brecon Powys Things To Do in Powys

Brecon Cathedral

The Cathedral Office, The Cathedral Close, BRECON, LD3 9DP

01874 623857

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Brecon Cathedral

Recommended by

Overview

Brecon’s cathedral is set in a walled close – a feature unusual in Wales, but reflecting its monastic origin. A Benedictine priory was founded here in the 11th century, possibly on the site of a Celtic church. Carvings on the massive Norman stone font are particularly vivid today. When the monastery was dissolved by Henry VIII, the church was adopted by the town. Steady decay was halted in the 1860s, when major reconstruction of the church took place; it was designated a cathedral in 1923. Alongside the shop, restaurant and tearoom is a magnificent wooden tithe barn, dating to the 17th century, which now houses a heritage exhibition about the cathedral. The cathedral also houses the sharpening stone used by archers who fought at Agincourt 600 years ago. Inside, in the Harvard Chapel, look out for the ‘colours’ (flags) of the South Wales Borderers who fought in the Zulu wars at the end of the 19th century.

Features

Opening Times
Open all year
Opening Times: Open all year, daily 8.30–6.30
Facilities
Parking onsite
Cafe

Show more (2)

Location

The Cathedral Office, The Cathedral Close, BRECON, LD3 9DP

About the area

Area image

The largest unitary authority in Wales, Powys covers an area of approximately 2,000 square miles. Much of that is mountainous because it actually has the lowest population density of all the Welsh counties.

Brecon Powys Things To Do in Powys