Brecon Cathedral - People | Passion | Priory: The Heart and Soul of the Community
Client: The Dean and Chapter of Brecon Cathedral
Project: People | Passion | Priory: Brecon Cathedral, The Heart and Soul of Community.
Location: Powys
Status: Ongoing
Planning and faculty have now been granted for the Lottery-funded scheme People | Passion | Priory: Brecon Cathedral – The Heart and Soul of the Community, marking a transformative moment for the Cathedral.
Oliver Architecture’s involvement with Brecon Cathedral began in 2015, when Stephen Oliver was appointed Cathedral Architect and undertook a comprehensive Quinquennial Inspection of the Cathedral and its associated buildings. Since then, our relationship with the Cathedral has deepened, and this latest project represents an exciting new chapter in its long history.
Oliver Architecture’s involvement with Brecon Cathedral began in 2015, when Stephen Oliver was appointed Cathedral Architect and undertook a comprehensive Quinquennial Inspection of the Cathedral and its associated buildings. Since then, our relationship with the Cathedral has deepened, and this latest project represents an exciting new chapter in its long history.
Image: Font and location of proposed new West Door
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Image: Open day at Brecon Cathedral
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A Heritage Funded Vision
Thanks to a Development Grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme will deliver essential repairs and thoughtful improvements that honour the Cathedral’s heritage while enhancing its role in the community.
The project includes:
Thanks to a Development Grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme will deliver essential repairs and thoughtful improvements that honour the Cathedral’s heritage while enhancing its role in the community.
The project includes:
- Creation of a new west door to the Cathedral, improving accessibility and creating a unified, welcoming entrance for all.
- Reroofing and associated masonry and rainwater goods repairs at the east end, addressing long-standing conservation needs.
- Internal reordering, including the repositioning of canon and choir stalls within the Presbytery, Tithe Barn, and Song School, to better serve liturgical and community functions.
Image: Ground floor plan as proposed
Improving Access and Inclusivity
The grant of a faculty was a major milestone, secured following a consistory court. The creation of a new opening within 14th-century masonry could only be justified after a reasoned appraisal of all options for achieving level access. This argument was accepted by Cadw, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon, with support from a number of consultees.
The new opening, with its arched head in keeping with the Cathedral’s existing architecture, is braced between the buttresses beneath the west window. The limed oak joinery, incorporating narrow strips of glazing, is designed to convey the power and massiveness of the west front while offering a glimpse into the Cathedral to encourage new visitors. Inside, a glazed limed oak draught lobby—a miniature building in itself—echoes the asymmetry of the Cathedral’s tower.
Improving Access and Inclusivity
The grant of a faculty was a major milestone, secured following a consistory court. The creation of a new opening within 14th-century masonry could only be justified after a reasoned appraisal of all options for achieving level access. This argument was accepted by Cadw, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon, with support from a number of consultees.
The new opening, with its arched head in keeping with the Cathedral’s existing architecture, is braced between the buttresses beneath the west window. The limed oak joinery, incorporating narrow strips of glazing, is designed to convey the power and massiveness of the west front while offering a glimpse into the Cathedral to encourage new visitors. Inside, a glazed limed oak draught lobby—a miniature building in itself—echoes the asymmetry of the Cathedral’s tower.
Image: West Entrance porch sketch view
Image: External view of new door
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Image: West Door External View
Image: Inside Brecon Cathedral
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Securing the Roofs
The sandstone tile roofs of the Cathedral are a defining feature of the local landscape, but many date back to the last major works by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s and 70s. Over time, tiles have become loose and degraded on their undersides. The reroofing programme will focus on the eastern end of the Cathedral, using locally sourced sandstone tiles.
The Presbytery roof, visible above the 1860s stone vault, shows three phases of alteration. Its underside was once lime-torched to reduce draughts—a technique that has long since deteriorated. We plan to retorch the roof using a more durable mix with additional battens and increased hair content. The project also includes localised repointing, improvements to maintenance access, bat measures, and targeted insulation.
Reordering the Interior
As part of the internal reordering, the Cathedral’s crossing will be reconfigured. Historical research has shown that the choir stalls currently in the crossing, partly by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and partly later copies by W.D. Caroe, were moved there in 1940. This decision, described in The Buildings of Wales as “not a wise decision,” will now be reversed.
The stalls will be returned in part to the Presbytery, creating a more open and flexible space suitable for both worship and community events such as concerts. New portable limed oak choir stalls have been designed to support this flexibility while complementing the Cathedral’s historic character
The sandstone tile roofs of the Cathedral are a defining feature of the local landscape, but many date back to the last major works by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s and 70s. Over time, tiles have become loose and degraded on their undersides. The reroofing programme will focus on the eastern end of the Cathedral, using locally sourced sandstone tiles.
The Presbytery roof, visible above the 1860s stone vault, shows three phases of alteration. Its underside was once lime-torched to reduce draughts—a technique that has long since deteriorated. We plan to retorch the roof using a more durable mix with additional battens and increased hair content. The project also includes localised repointing, improvements to maintenance access, bat measures, and targeted insulation.
Reordering the Interior
As part of the internal reordering, the Cathedral’s crossing will be reconfigured. Historical research has shown that the choir stalls currently in the crossing, partly by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and partly later copies by W.D. Caroe, were moved there in 1940. This decision, described in The Buildings of Wales as “not a wise decision,” will now be reversed.
The stalls will be returned in part to the Presbytery, creating a more open and flexible space suitable for both worship and community events such as concerts. New portable limed oak choir stalls have been designed to support this flexibility while complementing the Cathedral’s historic character
Image: Font relocation
A Commitment to Sustainability
Part of the application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund was to address the Cathedral's environmental footprint and future sustainability. A full sustainability audit and strategy was carried out, and this provided a detailed appraisal of the Cathedral’s carbon footprint and the technologies available to reduce it. The audit found the current footprint to be around 148 tonnes of CO2 per year, with space heating the single largest contributor.
While many recommendations, such as draught-proofing, targeted insulation, and upgrading boilers can be implemented immediately, the project is considering other options such as ground and air-source heat pumps or solar PV panels. However, these pose significant challenges in terms of cost, planning consent, archaeological impact, and the Cathedral’s historic setting. That said, these remain under active consideration for future phases, particularly in connection with the Nave reroofing, where opportunities may arise to integrate renewable technologies.
Serving the Community
This project is more than a restoration—it’s a reaffirmation of Brecon Cathedral’s place at the heart of its community. By securing the building’s future and improving its accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability, People | Passion | Priory ensures that the Cathedral continues to serve as a welcoming and inclusive space for generations to come.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Part of the application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund was to address the Cathedral's environmental footprint and future sustainability. A full sustainability audit and strategy was carried out, and this provided a detailed appraisal of the Cathedral’s carbon footprint and the technologies available to reduce it. The audit found the current footprint to be around 148 tonnes of CO2 per year, with space heating the single largest contributor.
While many recommendations, such as draught-proofing, targeted insulation, and upgrading boilers can be implemented immediately, the project is considering other options such as ground and air-source heat pumps or solar PV panels. However, these pose significant challenges in terms of cost, planning consent, archaeological impact, and the Cathedral’s historic setting. That said, these remain under active consideration for future phases, particularly in connection with the Nave reroofing, where opportunities may arise to integrate renewable technologies.
Serving the Community
This project is more than a restoration—it’s a reaffirmation of Brecon Cathedral’s place at the heart of its community. By securing the building’s future and improving its accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability, People | Passion | Priory ensures that the Cathedral continues to serve as a welcoming and inclusive space for generations to come.