After more than four centuries, a complete copy of the first full Welsh-language Bible has returned to Wales for public display.

According to the Christian Post, the 1588 translation completed by Bishop William Morgan is now on exhibit at St. David's Cathedral, its first appearance in Wales since being printed and gifted to Westminster Abbey over 400 years ago.

The translation marked a turning point for Welsh religious and cultural identity. Commissioned to produce a standard edition of the Bible in Welsh, Bishop William Morgan combined earlier partial translations and scholarly resources to create a complete version in the native language.

Translation Completed at Westminster Abbey

During Morgan’s work on the translation and printing, he lived in the Deanery of Westminster Abbey in London. There, he supervised the production of the 1588 Bible and ensured its accuracy and usability for churches across Wales.

Once completed, Morgan presented a copy to the Westminster Abbey Library. That same copy has remained there since the 16th century, preserved in notably good condition.

Embedded on the original title page is a dedication in Latin from Morgan to Gabriel Goodman, the then-dean of Westminster and a fellow Welsh native, highlighting the personal and national significance the translation held.

Preserved Copy Makes Rare Journey

Westminster Abbey officials announced earlier this week that the historic Bible would be a featured item at the Cathedral Archives, Libraries and Collections Association conference held on Tuesday. This marked the first step in the book's return to its country of origin.

After the conference, Westminster Abbey agreed to loan the Bible to St. Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, where it will be on public view through July 9. This is the first time this specific copy has been displayed in Wales since its initial printing.

The Bible had previously left its archival home only once for public use, in 1988. That occasion saw it used for worship at St. Benet Paul's Wharf church in London, a church known for offering services primarily in Welsh.

St. Davids Cathedral Hosts Historic Artifact

Dr. Sarah Rowland Jones, dean of St. Davids, described the exhibition as meaningful and appropriate. She emphasized the Cathedral's special connection to Welsh spirituality and said it was fitting that the Bible’s first visit to Wales should come to the spiritual home of the nation's patron saint.

“We look forward to having it on show before its return to the abbey,” Jones said. “It is an opportunity to share this with Welsh Christians of all traditions.”

She added that the 1588 Bible, also known as “Y Beibl Cyssegr-Lan,” remains a vital symbol in both the religious and linguistic heritage of the Welsh people.

Only a Limited Number of Editions Survive

At the time of its printing, only 900 copies were produced, to place at least one Bible in every Chapel and church across Wales. Over time, many have become heavily worn through regular use.

Tony Trowles, head of the Abbey Collection, said that the Westminster copy stands out due to its pristine condition. “Because they were used weekly or even daily,” he explained, “the ones that survive in Wales are not in such good condition.”

He also reflected on the Bible’s role as a scholarly and spiritual artifact, noting its place within the centuries of religious learning that cathedral libraries safeguard.

A Legacy Rooted in Language and Faith

Bishop Morgan’s goal in translating the Bible into Welsh was to allow the people of Wales to understand Scripture in their native tongue. This made the 1588 edition not only a religious text but also a cornerstone in preserving and promoting the Welsh language.

To preserve the Abbey’s copy, it was once chained to the shelves of the library to prevent removal — a testament to its perceived value and significance.

The Right Rev. Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St. Davids, echoed those sentiments, calling the Bible “a special treasure of the Welsh language.” He said the Cathedral is “honored” to be the venue for its first visit home.