The last degrees awarded by St David’s College in its own right were conferred in 1971, and the academic robes associated with them went into abeyance, subsequent degrees being awarded by University of Wales, and then TSD. This book, first published in 2000, looks at their origin and development, and sets them in the context of other contemporary universities and colleges. This second edition contains a great deal more information, the result of further research. It is fully illustrated with pictures of all the robes in colour. It is being published to coincide with the bicentenary of the College’s foundation in 1822, which also happens to be the 170th anniversary of the granting of the right to award the degree of BD.

Nicholas Groves is a widely-published author on the history of academic dress, and has designed or revised the robes of a number of universities and colleges. He is a graduate of UWL (MA 2000, PhD 2008).