In the Northwest corner there is an Easter garden showing the stone rolled away. This echoes the scene in the nearby window showing Christ arising from the garden tomb, to the consternation of the soldiers, watched by an angel, and unnoticed by the gathered women. PLAN
22. INFORMATION SHEETS
We shall find detailed information sheets describing various aspects of the Cathedral as we explore this building. They are colourful, laminated and informative.
23. EXPLORING THE NORTH NAVE
We are going to walk along the North aisle, but first we arrive at the exit door leading to the North porch. We shall explore this first.
24. THE NORTH PORCH
The North porch has two boards with lists of names, and also in fact, two side windows. The board at left lists the Bishops of Swansea and Brecon, beginning of course in 1923 with Edward Latham Bevan. The current Bishop (Davies) is also Archbishop of Wales [true in 2019]. The board at right lists the Deans of the Cathedral, two of which also held the position of bishop.
25. NORTH PORCH WINDOWS
The two windows in the North porch remember St Catherine and St Agnes. St Catherine is always remembered by her ‘Catherine wheel’ on which she was tortured. St Agnes is often pictured holding a lamb – a symbol of her virginity.
26. MEMORIAL AND CHEST
This memorial and chest are adjacent to the North door. It is recorded that the Rev Griffiths’ death was much regretted. He seems to be most remembered today for a letter he wrote expressing his concern at the increasing level of ‘emigration from every part of South Wales to America’ through both Liverpool and Bristol. Griffith identifies the emigrants as ‘respectable yomanry and substantial householders’ who have converted their agricultural stock and implements into English guineas. The old chest is very distinctive, but I can find no information about it.
27. NORTH NAVE WINDOW
This window in the North nave wall shows three scenes from the life of Jesus. At left Jesus is with the children (‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven’). At right Jesus meets a Canaanite woman with a demon-possessed daughter (‘Have mercy on me O Lord’). The central panel shows the Ascension (‘I go to prepare a place for you’).
28. MASONS’ MARKS
The sign gives a list of the trademarks used by stone masons – these marks are found in Brecon cathedral. At right is shown a mark on a nearby column. ••• The East end of the North nave runs into a little chapel known now as Keyne’s Chapel..
29. ST KEYNE’S CHAPEL
The chapel is divided from the nave by a medieval carved screen that has been used in various positions in the Cathedral over the centuries. Medieval wooden bosses from the fifteenth century wooden chancel ceiling have been attached to the nave side of the screen. In the Middle Ages both the North and the South aisles were screened from the nave and the space in the aisles was used for guild chapels.
30. ENTRY TO ST KEYNE’S CHAPEL
The St Keyne’s Chapel was the guild chapel of the corvizors or cordwainers (shoemakers). Tradesmen were proud of their work and each trade guild wanted to have their little corner of the Church and so helped to maintain these side chapels. Close to the entry is an effigy of an unknown member of the Games (Gam) family known as the Armless Lady, and a very interesting visitors book, recording visits of Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Runcie of Canterbury, and Dr Who and Amy Pond!
31. CRESTS AND BANNER
The modern oak entrance screen shows symbols of the shoemakers trade and was added to the chapel in 1959. THe lovely banner at right illustrates the fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22).
32. THE CHAPEL
A painting hangs behind the chapel altar. Along the wall at left are several windows, and an arched alcove containing an effigy. The window arrangement is curious: near the altar, there are two windows, one above the other.
33. CHAPEL WINDOWS
Thw left window depicts Humphrey Bohun, Giles de Breos and Edward Stafford, the builders of the Priory Church, all of whom were Lords of Brecknock. The picturesque dormer window in the Chapel (centre) contains the figures of Brychan, Cynog and Alud, pioneers of Christianity in the area, while below are the figures of Saints Illtyd, Keyne and Cadoc.
34. INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINDOWS
These two plaques give more detailed information about two of the windows in the St Keyne’s Chapel.
35. EFFIGY IN THE CHAPEL
In the North wall of the chapel is an elaborate tomb recess with the effigy of an unknown civilian. It was built about 1350 perhaps for the person who financed or supervised the building work at the Priory Church at that time. There are many theories about the identity of the figure – is it a priest? is it a provost of one of the craft guilds of Brecon? All we know is that it is a former worshipper to whom God was real in this place.
36. ST KEYNE’S CHAPEL ALTAR
The altar of St Keyne’s Chapel is a simple stone table. Behind there is an alcove in which is placed a copy of the painting La Madonna del Granduca by Raphael. This is one of Raphael’s most famous works and one of the images identified with the Palatine Gallery, the museum with the world’s highest number of canvases and panels by the artist. It is one of Raphael’s best-loved works, in which he shows all of his skill in representing holy subjects in an immediate, human manner.
37. PULPIT
We leave St Keyne’s Chapel and return to the front of the nave where we find the pulpit. The medieval Priory Church was filled with wood carving especially on the great screen which held the great Cross of Brecon. Some fragments of this former glory have been gathered together and incorporated into the pulpit. Note the fine carving, and the three angels holding shields. These angels were in fact corbels holding up the 14th century chancel roof. Above the pulpit a silhouette of a bird is painted on the stone pillar. This black bird is probably a raven, the emblem of Philip Havard – one of the first mayors of Brecon.
38. ROOD CROSS
This ceremonial crucifix has been restored to Brecon Cathedral for the first time since the destruction of its predecessor was ordered by Henry VIII nearly 500 years ago. The original, known as ‘The Brecon Cross’ and said to hold healing powers, was a popular destination for pilgrims who would pay a small fee to touch it. But the crucifix, also known as the ‘rood cross’, was destroyed under the orders of the monarch during the destruction of monasteries, priories and convents during the schism with Rome. The cross was situated on the rood, the division or screen between the former Benedictine monks of Brecon and the people based in what used to be the Priory Church, now the Cathedral. Five centuries later, a life-sized crucifix – this time a bronze sculpture – has been returned to the Cathedral. It is unclear whether this will be a permanent fixture.
39. LECTERN
The Cathedral has a lectern – traditional in the design sense of an eagle standing on a globe, but unusual in that the eagle appears to be made of wood. The strange painting on the wall behind is said to depict the town’s medieval coat of arms.
40. LECTERN AND PAINTING
Close to the lectern is a wall alcove, and a copy of another painting by Raphael: Madonna del Cardellino or Madonna of the Goldfinch. In this painting Raphael arranges the three figures – Mary, Christ and the young John the Baptist – to fit into an almost regular triangle. The Madonna is shown young and beautiful. She is also clothed in red and blue, with red signifying the passion of Christ and blue signifying the church. John holds a goldfinch in his hand, and Christ is reaching out to touch it. .
