The first bible translated into Welsh has been increasingly at risk of deterioration from flooding and damp at the 16th century farmhouse Ty Mawr Wybrnant, near Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia, where it is on display.
But now the Trust, which cares for the property, says it has found a sustainable solution by installing a “pico” or small scale hydroelectric turbine to use water from the nearby stream to help power the heating system to prevent damp.
It means the bible is being protected by the very thing, water, that is also putting it at risk through increasingly heavy and persistent rainfall, flooding and damp, as the climate changes.
The book, on display with more than 200 other bibles in different languages, is one of only 24 known copies of the first bible translated into Welsh.
The translation was undertaken by Bishop William Morgan, who was born at Ty Mawr Wybrnant, and printed in 1588.
Experts say it helped standardise the Welsh language and is considered to be the single most significant step in ensuring the survival of the language today.
But the bible, along with the rest of the collection, is susceptible to moisture in the air.
Now the hydroelectric turbine will generate power for the electric radiators that control levels of humidity in the Grade II listed farmhouse, with the switch to renewable energy protecting the books in a sustainable way, the Trust…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.