Rare Welsh bible goes on display

A rare Bible printed in the Welsh language and dating back to 1620 is on display at a north Powys library.

St Llwchaiarn's Church, in Llanllwchaiarn, has generously loaned the Bible to Newtown Library for a year.  The 1620 Bible has cultural and historical importance because it was the second Welsh language version of the Holy Bible to be published.

The first Welsh language Bible was printed in 1588 and translated by William Morgan.

The 1588 translation was the basis of the 1620 revised edition and tis was carried out by Bishop Richard Parry and Dr John Davies of Mallwyd 32 years later.

Cllr Graham Brown, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Library Services, said: “I’m delighted that Newtown Library will display this item for a year and I would like to thank Llanllwchaiarn Church this generous loan.

“Due to its age, copies of the 1620 Bible are now relatively scarce so to have such an item of cultural and historical importance on display at one of our libraries is a huge honour.  Displaying this Bible in Newtown Library will give the public a wonderful opportunity to view this fascinating item.”

Photo caption

Rev Nia Morris, Rector of Llanllwchaiarn and Newtown with Aberhafesp, presents the 1620 Welsh language Bible to Newtown Library staff Rosalind McLean and Kate McCaffrey  Also pictured is church member Chris Flemming.