03 April 2012

Crucifix Replaced After 500 Years

A crucifix at Brecon Cathedral, destroyed following orders by Henry VIII, has been replaced after 500 years.

In 1538, following his split with the catholic church, Henry VIII ordered that the crucifix, known as the Brecon or rood cross, was destroyed.

It was thought that the rood cross had healing powers, and pilgrims would visit the Powys town to touch it.

Now after 500 years a new cross finally hangs in its place. Made to celebrate a woman's ordination as a priest, the new crucifix will be on display until July.

Over 6ft tall the replacement is made out of bronze, cast from driftwood.

Anthony Bunker, a lawyer who was born in Neath, commissioned the crucifix from the sculptor Helen Sinclair, from Rhossili, near Swansea, to celebrate his wife's ordination as a priest.

On seeing the gift Anthony's wife thought that it was too beautiful not to be displayed and contacted a number of cathedrals to see if they would be interested in displaying it.

"The first cathedral to respond was Brecon, but it was a coincidence that they once had a cross hanging from a rood screen," Mr Bunker told the BBC.

The couple will decide at a later date where the permanent home for the crucifix will be.

(LB/GK)