THE University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has marked 200 years of higher education in Wales at a Bicentenary Celebration Service held in St Davids Cathedral.

The bicentenary commemorates the establishment of St David’s College, Lampeter on 12 August 1822 through the laying of the foundation stone which marks the beginning of higher education in Wales.

The service in St Davids was organised in partnership with the Cathedral and the Lampeter Society, the association of alumni, established 85 years ago.

From the seeds sown in Lampeter over two centuries ago, the university has grown into a multi-campus, dual-sector University providing vocationally relevant programmes in partnership with employers.

The event was an opportunity to reaffirm the University’s commitment to transforming education and to work with its partners to build a resilient Wales by creating a new conferral University for Wales.

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor said: “The service was a very special opportunity to celebrate the bicentenary at the Cathedral.

“I am delighted that so many of the university’s key partners were able to join us for this joyous occasion.

“The Bicentenary marks two centuries of continuity of higher education opportunities for the people of Wales and celebrates the contribution of our universities and colleges in that story”.

The Foundation stone was laid for St David’s College Lampeter on 12 August 1822; it welcomed its first students on St David’s Day 1827 and received its Royal Charter in 1828. It is the oldest degree-awarding institution in Wales.