A Historical Welsh Bible Makes Its Way Home After Centuries
(Photo: Dean and Chapter of Westminster)
For the first time in over 400 years, a historical 1588 Welsh Bible is on display in Wales, offering the public a rare glimpse of what Bishop William Morgan once called “a special treasure.” This significant artifact represents the first complete translation of the Bible into Welsh, a task undertaken by Morgan to make Scripture accessible in the native tongue.
Since its presentation to Westminster Abbey by Bishop Morgan, this Bible has been part of the Abbey’s Library collection. It was announced on Monday that this valuable item would be featured at the Cathedral Archives, Libraries and Collections Association conference before being showcased at St Davids Cathedral.
On loan from Westminster Abbey, the leather-bound Bible will be accessible to the public until July 9. Tony Trowles, head of the Abbey Collection, emphasized the historical and educational importance of this piece, noting its role in the Church’s history and its well-preserved condition.
“The copy of the Welsh Bible presented to Westminster Abbey Library by Bishop William Morgan in 1588 reminds us of the important role of learning in the life of the Church and of the rich collections of printed books and manuscripts which have been cared for and studied over the centuries in the libraries of our cathedrals and collegiate churches,” stated Trowles.
Bishop Morgan was tasked with creating a standardized Welsh edition, which involved combining earlier translations. His work was supervised in London, where he stayed at the Deanery of Westminster Abbey. The Bible bears an inscription in Latin from Morgan to Gabriel Goodman, the Dean of Westminster and a fellow Welshman, marking it as a gift.
This Bible’s history includes its sole use in a service at St Benet Paul’s Wharf in London in 1988, a church known for its Welsh-language services. According to the BBC, this marks the first time the Bible has been brought to Wales.
Trowles remarked on the Bible’s excellent condition, despite the original plan to print 900 copies for widespread use in Welsh chapels and churches, which led to many being less well-preserved.
The Rt Rev Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids, expressed pride in displaying the Bible, describing it as “a special treasure of the Welsh language.” The Very Rev Dr Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral added, “It seems fitting that its first visit to Wales should be here, to the home of our patron saint, at our spiritual heart.”
The display is a unique opportunity for Welsh Christians to connect with this piece of their religious and cultural heritage before it returns to Westminster Abbey.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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