Llandaff / Llandaf

The Ecclesiologist (vol. XXVIII, 1867: 354) states simply "The font is due to Mr. Seddon" [NB: Seddon worked together with Pritchard, the architect, in the renovation/re-building of the cathedral]. Baptismal font by Alan Durst [source: http://archive.cardiff.gov.uk] [accessed 23 November 2006]. A modern font with a general inspiration of shape and design on the egg-cup or goblet-type, the font consists on clearly defined basin and base separated by a thick roll moulding; the roughly hemispherical basin has scenes all around, with a Latin inscription around the upper rim side and others on the sides, among the decoration; another inscription can be found on the upper surface of the lower base, the sides of which are also decorated with scenes, etc. The fancy wooden font cover is a low dome that completes the 2/3 egg-shape of the basin and is topped with what appears to be a large dove-on-a-half-dome finial. [NB: although based on earlier religious sites going far back possibly to the 6th century, the cathedral building belongs to the Norman period, but we have no information on the earlier font(s) in this church -- the earlier font(s) may have disappeared during the 1882 renovation or in the damage caused during World War II]. [NB: the fabric of the present church goes back to the 12th century, and it is believed it replaced a more ancient building on the same site; we have no information on th earlier font].