Campanology and Vestments

Hello Friends!

Today was the Annual Open Day at St Davids Cathedral and I was lucky enough to not be in work so I was able to go, at least for part of it having the best part of my days off usurped by a broken boiler {we won't go there} so, armed with my camera I set off in earnest to pack in as much as I could in the short time I had available to me.

First I visited the Cathedral Library which is the only Cathedral Library in situ in the whole of Wales.  It is a very special place with over 7,000 books dating from the 16th century onwards, the Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth II granting St Davids official City Status, and the atmosphere of such antiquity and accumulation of learning in an ecclesiastic setting has to be experienced first hand. The building itself is older than the oldest book contained therein.  Sadly, photography is not permitted, but it was a good point to begin the morning as a visit to this library always lifts my spirits with a sense of belonging. Of course, the climb up the circular stone staircase is an adventure in itself and it is a good idea to hold on to the ropes on either side!

I moved around the Cathedral, which by now was swarming with visitors from cruise ships which dock in nearby Fishguard Harbour and Pembroke Dock. Unfortunately, this hampered securing good photos, but it is easy enough for me to return. The main object of my day was to see the vestments which had been placed in a special display at the High Altar with the mediaeval encaustic tiled floor. I did my best, fighting elbow to elbow with the crowds, to secure photos of the beautiful, rich embroidered garments.  It was regrettable that, due to my broken boiler, I had to miss what would have been a most excellent talk to accompany the display, given by Archdeacon Dorrien Davies.

I wandered around, managing to avoid temptation at the home made cake stand, and made my way up the hill to Porth y Twr, or what is today the Bell Tower, built in the late thirteenth century as one of the four main gate ways into the Cathedral Close.  In the 1970's I was a campanologist, or bell ringer. The bell I rang was Treble, which I understand is now Bell Two.  I remember well calling out "Look Two, Treble's going; she's gone!" every time we rang a peal that began with Treble.

The main bell ringing chamber with the ropes secured

I then climbed a very steep, spiral, very narrow ancient stone steps all the way up in near darkness, ever upwards and narrowing constantly, until the bell chamber was reached. Reminding me of the steps to Cirith Ungol, it makes the Cathedral Library look like a walk in the park! I did not feel happy enough to stop to take a photo.  Here is the sight that greeted me and the other intrepid climbers as we emerged into the half light.

Here is the bell I used to ring. I believe this is now the Second Bell and is named Saint Caradog

It's hard to think such a thin piece of rope pulls and controls such a huge and heavy bell!

One last view from a higher platform before I followed everyone out and began the tricksy and slow stepping down into the ground floor and daylight once more

I shall leave you with the view from the Tower door. Stunning in any weather.

Until next time
Deborah