St. David's Priory is the oldest Catholic Church in Swansea, the original mission having been established in 1808, when the Abbé Séjean, once a Chaplain to Louis XVI, came to Swansea after the French Revolution. He was engaged to teach French to the children of John Morris, founder of Morriston. Premises in Nelson Street were the site of the first chapel. 

​

An increase in numbers necessitated a new building and the present church was partly built in 1847 in Gothic style, with a chancel, nave, stained glass windows and a single aisle, to accommodate about 150 people. This was done under the direction of Father Charles Kavanagh to a design by architect Charles Hanson, along with a Catholic school (picture below) which adjoined the church. Mr. Taylor of Coventry was the builder.

 

In 1864 St. David's was extended by 30 feet, an organ was installed, and a presbytery was added, to the plans of architect Benjamin Bucknall. After enlargement, the main entrance was through the north west door and porch as it remains to this day.

​

Re-roofing was performed 1866, and again in 1953-54. The exterior walls were cleaned and renovated in 1975.

 

Because most of the parishioners then came from the Greenhill area of Swansea it became desirable to build a church in that area, and in 1866 St. Joseph's church was established.

​

In 1873 the parish was taken over by the Benedictine monastic order of monks, and St. David's Church became a Missionary Priory.

 

In 1875 St. Joseph's mission became independent, and a larger new St. Joseph's church was consecrated and opened in 1888. (now St. Josephs Cathedral)

 

Today the mission is divided into two districts, St. David's which is responsible for Catholics in the area south of Croft Street and Thomas Row, and St. Joseph's which is responsible for the Catholics to the north of that line.

 

St David's is also the Catholic mother church of Swansea, as all other Catholic parishes in the city were originally daughter churches of St. Davids.

 

With the current development of the surrounding area, and exterior cleaning and renovation, it means that the church will soon be able to be seen in its original setting and condition. It was recognised by the Civic Authorities as an Historic Building during Heritage Year 1975.