Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the original purpose of the building that now houses Carmarthenshire Museum?
What was the original purpose of the building that now houses Carmarthenshire Museum?
What significant event occurred involving Richard Davies while he resided in the building?
What significant event occurred involving Richard Davies while he resided in the building?
Why was there a proposal to construct a cathedral in Carmarthen?
Why was there a proposal to construct a cathedral in Carmarthen?
What happened to the bishop's palace in St Davids after the intended move of the cathedral to Carmarthen?
What happened to the bishop's palace in St Davids after the intended move of the cathedral to Carmarthen?
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Flashcards
The Carmarthen College
The Carmarthen College
A former college in Wales dedicated to Saints Maurice and Thomas, founded in the 13th century by Bishop Bek of St Davids.
Bishop Bek's Oxford Connection
Bishop Bek's Oxford Connection
The bishop of St Davids, who founded Carmarthen College, was also a former Chancellor of Oxford University.
The Former College as Bishop's Residence
The Former College as Bishop's Residence
After the college moved to Brecon in 1541, the building became the bishop's primary residence.
Proposed Cathedral Move
Proposed Cathedral Move
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The Decaying Bishop's Palace
The Decaying Bishop's Palace
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Study Notes
Carmarthenshire Museum Building History
- The building served as a college from approximately 1291 to 1541, dedicated to Saints Maurice and Thomas.
- Founded by Bishop Bek of St Davids, a former chancellor of Oxford University.
- Bishop Bek's Oxford background likely influenced the design of the cloistered courtyard, now a roofed hall.
- The college relocated to Brecon in 1541, followed by the building becoming the bishop's residence.
- Plans existed to replace the St Davids cathedral with a Carmarthen cathedral at this time.
- The bishop's palace in St Davids eventually decayed into a historic ruin.
Bishop Richard Davies and Connections
- Bishop Richard Davies, residing in the building, aided William Salesbury in producing the first Welsh translation of the New Testament (1563-1567).
- A memorial to Salesbury exists in Llansannan, North Wales.
- Davies was baptized at a font in Gyffin, Conwy church, where his father was a curate.
- The baptismal font from Gyffin Church survives to this day.
Modifications and Later Use
- The building underwent modifications throughout the centuries, with various outbuildings added, including an early Victorian lodge.
- A fire in 1903 damaged the building, leading to reconstruction.
- Continued as a bishop's residence until 1972.
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Description
Explore the rich history of the Carmarthenshire Museum, which served as a college for over two centuries and later became the residence of Bishop Richard Davies. Delve into the museum's architectural influences and its connection to significant historical figures such as Bishop Bek and William Salesbury. Learn how this site played a key role in the development of the Welsh translation of the New Testament.
