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A historic moment in Welsh history is set to occur as a rare copy of the first complete translation of the Bible into Welsh, printed in 1588, will soon be exhibited in Wales for the first time. The translation, carried out during the era of the Spanish Armada and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, was the work of Bishop William Morgan. The goal was to make scripture accessible to the people in a language they understood.
This invaluable piece of religious and linguistic history has been housed in Westminster Abbey’s library collection since its creation, with its pages opened for service only once. Now, the Bible will have a temporary home at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, where it will be available for public viewing from 17 June to 9 July. The arrival of this significant artifact is sure to draw attention and spark curiosity among those eager to witness a piece of Welsh heritage up close.
Bishop Morgan’s task of creating a standard Welsh edition involved consolidating previous translations of different parts of the Bible. The printing process, supervised by Morgan in London, was a challenge as the print workers did not speak Welsh. The resulting copy was a testament to the technical complexity of the period, with each letter arranged backwards and multiple pages printed on a single sheet. Dr. Tony Trowles, the librarian and head of the abbey’s collection, emphasized the meticulous effort put into producing the 900 copies that were intended for every chapel and church in Wales.
Although the Welsh Bible was intended for regular use in churches, surviving copies in Wales are rare as they were frequently handled. Dr. Trowles noted that the book was originally chained to the abbey library’s bookshelves for security. The decision to display this esteemed piece of Welsh history in its home country is a momentous occasion, one that captures the essence of the Bible’s enduring significance in Welsh culture and religion
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