Brecon Cathedral & Heritage Centre
Powys
Today, virtually the whole of Brecon Cathedral and the buildings around it date from the early 12th to the 15th Century. Its Early English style dates from the 13th Century and its Decorated style from the 14th. In the late Middle Ages it became an important place of pilgrimage.
Originally the Priory Church, it became the Cathedral Church of Swansea and Brecon in 1923. Buildings in the close now house a Diocesan Centre, Heritage Centre, exhibition, shop and restaurant.
The Heritage Centre makes use of an important redundant 17th Century listed building here, which was formerly a Tithebarn. The Centre includes an interpretative exhibition, a restaurant, a shop and an herb garden. The Exhibition makes use of the latest technology in telling the story of Brecon Priory from its 1093AD beginnings to its present use. There is also a range of artefacts, including five life-size replica bells housed in the original 15th Century bell-frame that has been brought down from the Cathedral Tower.
The shop has been designed to complement the Exhibition and sells goods to National Trust standards. Visitors leave the shop at the herb garden end of the complex, where there is a restaurant, toilets and the Cathedral itself.
The Cathedral is open daily from 8:45am - 6pm.