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Details
There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire.
A 12th-century pope had decreed that two trips to St Davids were equal to one to Rome – turning it into a centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world. Thousands flocked to see the shrine of St David in the newly built cathedral.
But the bishop’s home was no match for this magnificence. Enter Henry de Gower. Between 1328 and 1347 he turned a building only fit for ‘servants and animals’ into an immense palace.
The east range was his private domain. The south range was for show and ceremony. It was here in the great hall that Bishop Henry dispensed justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims.
The Reformation marked the beginning of the end. In fact William Barlow, first Protestant Bishop of St Davids, may well have stripped the lead from the roofs himself to spark a slow decline. But even as a ruin this palace beside its glorious cathedral remains an awe-inspiring space.
Pay & display nearby, cycle stands nearby, gift shop, toilets, baby changing facilities, exhibition, portable induction loop.
Opening Details
Open all the time
1 March 2020 - 30 June Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm .
1 July - 31 August Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm.
1 September - 31 October Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm.
1 November - 28 February 2021 Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Prices
Prices from April 2020 to March 2021:
Adult - £4.50
Family (2 Adults & up to 3 children) - £12.50
Seniors £3.60
Juniors (Aged 5–17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans - £2.60
Children under 5 - Free
Address
St David's,
Pembrokeshire,
SA62 6PE
Directions
Map reference: SM 750254 Lat: 51.88176 Long: -5.26932
A487 to St David's; from the centre, follow signs to the left.
By Bus: 250m/270 yards, route No 411 Haverfordwest - St David's/Fishguard. Route no 413 Fishguard - St David's.
National Cycle Route: NCN Route No.4 On route.
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 16 miles from Haverfordwest station
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Gift shop
Picnic site
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Smoking not allowed
Facilities for hearing impaired
Pay & display nearby, cycle stands nearby, gift shop, toilets, baby changing facilities, exhibition, portable induction loop.