St. Asaph

The city of St Asaph is an important center of connurbation lying between Denbigh and the coastal resort of Rhyl. It is situated on the River Elwy, and is home to the smallest cathedral in Britain

St Asaph has been and has been an important ecclesiastical centre for centuries, dating back to AD560 when a community was founded by the Scottish saint Kentigern, who left his disciple Asaph in charge when he returned to Scotland.

The Cathedral has a long and violent history, having been twice destroyed by fire, has suffered attacks by rebellious natives and also foreign invaders. In 1245 AD it was destroyed by the soldiers of Henry III , and then again in 1282 by the armies of Edward I in 1282. The rebuilt cathedral (1284-1381) lasted only 21 years after completion, being razed to the ground by Owain Glyndwr's Welsh troops in 1402. In l7l5 the tower was completely demolished in a fierce storm. The existing building is largely 14th century with many Victorian alterations due to the remodelling by Gilbert Scott in 1867-75.

Links

Website for the city of S. Asaph St Asaph- City of Music & Art