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Llandaff Cathedral in Wales

The ancient Celtic Cross, which stands near the Chapter House doorway, testifies to the tradition of 1400 years of Christian worship. The earliest parts of the present Cathedral however, date from the twelfth century when Bishop Urban built the first stone church, that being a Norman replacement for St Teilo's Little Minster. The new Cathedral was later extended and prospered but in the 16th century, following the Reformation, its fortunes declined. Repeated storm damage, desecration, lost revenue and prolonged neglect led to almost total ruin, before restoration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Extensive and severe war damage in 1941 necessitated major rebuilding and restoration. Under the architect George Pace, this challenging task was begun and it included the installation of Jacob Epstein's Christ in Majesty surmounted on a parabolic arch, the construction of the St David Chapel and of the Processional Way. The Cathedral's eventful history can be read in its stones and different styles of architecture. Within its walls stand the tombs of St Dyfrig and St Teilo - two of the Cathedral's Celtic Patron Saints. In addition to Epstein's compelling Majestas, the Cathedral contains work by medieval, pre-Raphaelite, Victorian and contemporary artists and craftsmen. These works include Rossetti's acclaimed painting The Seed of David, John Piper's depiction of The Supper at Emmaus, the porcelain panels designed by Burne-Jones, the inspired bronze sculptures by Frank Roper and the Lady Chapel windows by Geoffrey Webb.....