St Asaph
St Asaph is a cathedral city in Denbighshire, Wales, situated on the River Elwy. It is notable for being the second-smallest city in the United Kingdom by population and for its historic cathedral, which has endured centuries of damage and rebuilding. The city's status as a city was formally granted in 2012.
Key Facts
- ›The city developed around a sixth-century Celtic monastery founded by Saint Kentigern.
- ›The current St Asaph Cathedral is a small 14th-century building.
- ›The cathedral has been significantly damaged multiple times throughout history, including by Edward I's troops and Owain Glyndŵr's forces.
- ›St Asaph was historically regarded as a city due to its medieval cathedral and diocese, but was only officially granted city status in 2012.
- ›It is the second-smallest city in the UK by population and has the second-smallest urban area.
- ›The city hosts the annual North Wales International Music Festival.
14th-Century Cathedral, Site of A Sixth-Century Celtic Monastery, Original Copy of the Welsh Bible
About St Asaph
St Asaph Cathedral
St Asaph is a historic cathedral city located on the River Elwy in Denbighshire, Wales. With a population of 3,485 as of the 2021 census, it holds the distinction of being the second-smallest city in the United Kingdom by population. The city's origins are deeply rooted in religious history, believed to have developed around a sixth-century Celtic monastery founded by Saint Kentigern. The current cathedral, a modest 14th-century structure, is dedicated to Saint Asaph, the monastery's second bishop.
History and Significance
The cathedral and the city have endured a tumultuous history. The cathedral has been significantly damaged on multiple occasions, notably in the 13th century when the troops of Edward I of England reportedly burned it almost to the ground. Further severe damage to its furnishings occurred in 1402 during the rampages of Owain Glyndŵr's forces. In a period of neglect during the Commonwealth, the building was even repurposed to house farm animals.
Historically, St Asaph was regarded as a city due to its status as the seat of a medieval cathedral and diocese. However, it was only officially awarded city status in 2012, following successful applications during Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This recognition solidified its long-held identity, despite its small size. The city is also recognized for its cultural contributions, particularly its hosting of the annual North Wales International Music Festival, which attracts performers and audiences from across Wales and beyond.
Notable Aspects
Among its treasures, St Asaph Cathedral houses an original copy of the Welsh Bible, which was famously used during the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. The city's development has also been shaped by infrastructure changes, such as the opening of the A55 road, and it has become a center for education with the presence of Ysgol Glan Clwyd, the first Welsh medium secondary school in Wales.
St Asaph's ecclesiastical importance is matched by its administrative evolution. Historically situated across different administrative regions, it eventually became part of Denbighshire. Its small scale is further emphasized by its urban area size, which is the second smallest in the UK, though its community council area is larger than some other UK cities.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of St Asaph Cathedral?
The cathedral has a long and turbulent history. It is believed to have developed around a sixth-century Celtic monastery. The current 14th-century building has suffered severe damage from various conflicts, including raids by Edward I's troops and Owain Glyndŵr's forces, and was even used to house farm animals during the Commonwealth period.
When did St Asaph become a city?
Although historically recognized as a city due to its ecclesiastical status, St Asaph was not officially granted city status until 14 March 2012, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This followed unsuccessful applications in earlier competitions.
What is St Asaph known for?
St Asaph is known for its cathedral, its designation as the second-smallest city in the UK by population, and its annual North Wales International Music Festival. The city is also promoted locally as the 'City of Music'.
What is the population of St Asaph?
According to the 2021 census, the community of St Asaph had a population of 3,485. This makes it the second-smallest city in the United Kingdom in terms of population.
Where is St Asaph located?
St Asaph is a city and community situated on the River Elwy in Denbighshire, Wales. It is surrounded by countryside and offers views of the Vale of Clwyd.
Related Cathedrals
St Asaph Cathedral
St Asaph Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saints Asaph and Cyndeyrn, is a significant religious site in St Asaph, Denbighshire, north Wales. While its origins trace back 1,400 years to a church founded by Saint Kentigern, the current structure largely dates from the 13th century, with substantial rebuilding and restoration over the centuries. It serves as the episcopal seat for the Bishop of St Asaph in the Church in Wales.
Llandaff Cathedral
Llandaff Cathedral is the principal church of the Diocese of Llandaff in the Church in Wales, located in Llandaff, Cardiff. It is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, and three Welsh saints: Dubricius, Teilo, and Oudoceus. The cathedral has a long and complex history, marked by periods of construction, destruction, and significant restoration, making it an important religious and architectural landmark.
Newport Cathedral
Newport Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St Woolos, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Monmouth within the Church in Wales. Although modest in size, it is considered one of Wales's most interesting religious buildings due to its long history stretching from the 5th century to the present day, its unique blend of architectural styles, and its origins as the church founded by St Gwynllyw.