Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff

Llandaff Cathedral, situated in Cardiff, is a notable Anglican cathedral and parish church, serving as the bishopric for the Diocese of Llandaff in the Church in Wales. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, as well as three Welsh saints: Dubricius, Teilo, and Oudoceus. It stands as one of two cathedrals in Cardiff, alongside the Roman Catholic Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral.

The site has hosted religious structures since ancient times, with the current building tracing its origins back to the 12th century. Over the centuries, Llandaff Cathedral has witnessed significant historical upheavals, including damage during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr in 1400, the English Civil War, and the Great Storm of 1703. The cathedral was largely reconstructed in 1734 under the guidance of John Wood, the Elder, after being considered for deconsecration due to its extensive damage. Further devastation occurred during the Cardiff Blitz in 1941, when a parachute mine caused severe damage to the structure.

Architecturally, the cathedral showcases medieval stonework predominantly from Dundry stone, supplemented by post-Reformation blue lias stone. Post-World War II restorations incorporated modern materials like concrete and Pennant sandstone, with roofing completed using Welsh slate and lead. A significant event was in February 2007 when the cathedral's organ was damaged by lightning, leading to a successful £1.5 million fundraising campaign for a new organ.

Llandaff Cathedral has a rich musical tradition, historically featuring an Anglican choir of boys and men and, more recently, a girls' choir. It benefits from its association with the Cathedral School, Llandaff, which is dedicated to choir education. The cathedral is also a burial site for notable historical figures including the 6th-century saints Dubricius and Teilo, and numerous Bishops of Llandaff, such as Alfred Ollivant who served from 1849 to 1882.

The church's rich history and architectural evolution make Llandaff Cathedral a significant religious and cultural landmark in Wales.