THE SEDILIA.
The decanal stall was formerly assigned to the Bishop as Dean, and accordingly inscribed Dom. Epī., but when the Precentor in 1840 assumed the title of Dean[35] this was changed. It will be observed that the seats of most dignity are the extremes, and the western end and southern side take precedence. As in the arrangement of stalls which existed in the colleges of Abergwili and Llanddewi Brefi, founded by Bishop Beck in this diocese, the Bishop’s Vicar (Subdean) sits on the decanal side, and the Subchanter in a similar position on the Precentor’s side.
The delicate silver altar-cross was designed by Mr. T. G. Jackson, and is a choice addition to the cathedral plate. The east end hangings are at once recognisable as one of the happiest of Mr. Bodley’s exquisite designs.
THE SHRINE OF ST. DAVID.
This shrine, which is, and always has been, one of the most important in the country, occupies a very modest position in the presbytery, viz., the third bay from the east on the north side. It is, however, rather a base and a frame for a movable feretrum, for we know it was carried to battle. Although the shrine of Edward the Confessor at Westminster and St. Thomas à Beckett at Canterbury—to mention two great instances—were placed behind the high altar with much dignity and with plenty of room for pilgrims to circulate, yet it seems most likely that the somewhat extraordinary position of the shrine of the patron Saint of Wales is due to a retention of an ancient British custom.[36] The tombs of St. Trilo and St. Dubricius rest in similar places in Llandaff Cathedral, and that of St. Ninian at Whitherne, in Galloway, occupies an identical position. On the other hand, Dr. Rock[37] writes: “I cannot bring myself to think that the shrine stood anywhere but behind the high altar, in its full dignity and splendour;” which, however, has not been the case, certainly since the fifteenth century, as the stone altar stood against the east wall of the presbytery.
We are inclined to think that the monks divided these relics, which were so infinitely precious that kings came to venerate, and that some were kept in a movable shrine or feretory, and that the remainder were shown in a recently
Photo, J. Valentine.
THE SHRINE OF ST. DAVID.