A rare copy of the first complete translation of the Bible into Welsh, printed in 1588, will go on display in Wales for the first time. The book was translated in the year of the Spanish Armada – when Elizabeth I was monarch – by Bishop William Morgan as part of an effort to bring scriptures to people in languages they understood. It has been kept in Westminster Abbey's library collection ever since, having only ever been used in service once. The Bible will be on public display in the St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire between 17 June and 9 July. Bishop Morgan had been commissioned to produce a standard Welsh edition by bringing together previous translations of parts of the Bible. He travelled to London to oversee the books going through the press, a process which lasted several weeks because the print workers did not speak Welsh. During the work, Morgan stayed at Westminster Abbey's deanery which was the home of then-dean Gabriel Goodman – a fellow Welshman who was also a close friend. Morgan presented the book to Goodman with a Latin inscription, recording that he was making a gift to the library. Tony Trowles, librarian and head of the abbey's collection, said: "It has been in our library ever since. "It is in remarkably good condition. The plan was to print 900 copies, with the idea for every chapel and church in Wales to have a copy of the Welsh Bible. "Because they were used weekly or even daily, the ones that survive in Wales are not in such good condition." Dr Trowles said the Bible was originally chained to the bookshelves of the abbey library so it could not be removed. He said the printing process was "highly complex and technical" with each letter arranged backwards and several pages printed on one sheet. The book was printed on paper and bound in leather over covers made from wood. "This is the first time it has gone to Wales and we think the first time it has been exhibited," Dr Trowles said. However, it was used in a service at St Benet Paul's Wharf – a church in London with a long association with the Welsh community – in 1988. The Right Rev Dorrien Davies, the Bishop of St Davids, said: "It is a special treasure of the Welsh language and we are honoured to have it in St Davids Cathedral." The Dean of St Davids, the Very Rev Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, said: "It seems fitting that its first visit to Wales should be here, to the home of our patron saint, at our spiritual heart. "We look forward to having it on show before its return to the abbey, to share with Welsh Christians of all traditions, for whom Y Beibl Cyssegr-Lan of 1588 Bible is a uniquely valuable treasure in our heritage of faith and language."
Rare Welsh Bible from 1588 displayed for first time
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"First Complete Welsh Bible from 1588 to Be Displayed in St Davids Cathedral"
Bbc News
9.2
TruthLens AI Summary
A significant cultural artifact, the first complete translation of the Bible into Welsh, printed in 1588, will be on public display for the first time at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire from June 17 to July 9. This historic Bible was translated by Bishop William Morgan during a pivotal year marked by the Spanish Armada and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Morgan was tasked with creating a standard Welsh edition by consolidating previous partial translations. He undertook the printing process in London, which proved to be a complex endeavor due to the language barrier with the print workers. Morgan's connection to Westminster Abbey, where he stayed with a fellow Welshman, Dean Gabriel Goodman, facilitated this monumental task. The Latin inscription he penned to present the Bible to Goodman's library underscores its historical significance. Since its creation, the Bible has remained a part of Westminster Abbey's library collection and has only been utilized in service on one occasion, highlighting its rarity and preservation in remarkably good condition compared to other copies that were regularly used in churches across Wales.
The exhibition of this Bible is particularly meaningful, as it represents a treasured part of Welsh heritage and language. The Right Rev Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids, emphasized its importance as a cultural artifact that many Welsh Christians hold dear. The Very Rev Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St Davids, noted the fittingness of its display at the cathedral, which is considered the spiritual heart of Wales and the home of its patron saint. The Bible's historical journey includes being chained to the abbey library's shelves to prevent removal, reflecting its value and the care taken to preserve it. The display aims to share this unique treasure with Welsh Christians of all backgrounds, allowing them to connect with a vital part of their faith and linguistic heritage before the Bible returns to its original home at Westminster Abbey.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.