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Scotland
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Ely Cathedral
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Ely is best known, and rightly so, for its extraordinary octagonal lantern tower. When the Norman tower fell in 1322 a new tower was erected, using oak beams to support 400 tons of stone and lead in a structure at once massive and airy. The first church here was erected in 673 by St. Aetheldreda, and rebuilt in 870 following Danish raids. In 1109, in the midst of another rebuilding, Ely was raised to cathedral status. At that time the country around Ely was marsh, and the cathedral rose like a beacon on the only spot of dry land for miles around.
High Street,
Ely,
Cambridgeshire,
England,
CB7 4DL
Attraction Type:
Cathedral
Website: Ely Cathedral
Email: receptionist@cathedral.ely.anglican.org
Phone: 01353 667 735
Fax: 01353 665 658
Location
map
Details
of Ely Cathedral
OS TL541 801
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation: nearest
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Exeter Cathedral
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The church here was begun in the 11th century, but most of what remains is the result of rebuilding between 1275-1375. The Lady chapel and retrochoir were added at this time, to be followed by the presbytery and the choir. The nave was built in the mid 14th century, under the direction of Richard Farleigh, who was also responsible for the spire at Salisbury. The vaulting extends for an extraordinary 300 feet, making it the longest uninterrupted stone vault in Britain. The carving is wonderful, particularly in the Minstrel's gallery (look for the 14 angels, each carrying a different musical instrument) and the pulpitum.
Exeter,
Devon,
England,
EX1 1HS
Attraction Type:
Cathedral
Location: city centre, off High Street
Website: Exeter Cathedral
Email: visitors@exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Phone: 01392 285 983
Fax: 01392 285 986
Location
map
Details
of Exeter Cathedral
OS SX921 925
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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Gloucester Cathedral
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The magnificence of Gloucester, which only became a cathedral under Henry VIII, owes much to the courage of one man, Abbot Thoky. When Edward II was murdered at nearby Berkeley Castle in 1327, three other abbots refused to accept the king's remains, possibly because they disapproved of his reported "unnatural" lifestyle. Thoky accepted the body, risking the displeasure of Edward's many enemies. When miracles were reported at Edward's tomb, the money brought in by the resulting flood of pilgrims enabled the rebuilding of the Norman abbey church. The result is a fascinating blend of heavy Romanesque drum piers and perpendicular Gothic tracery. The east window (1347-50), which commemorates the English victory at Crecy, is glorious. It retains some of its original stained glass. The 15th century cloisters exhibit a wonderful example of fan vaulting.
Gloucester,
Gloucestershire,
England,
GL1 2LR
Attraction Type:
Cathedral
Website: Gloucester Cathedral
Email: christine@gloucestercathedral.org.uk
Phone: 01452 528 095
Fax: 01452 300469
Location
map
OS SO831 187
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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Hereford Cathedral
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Hereford was founded in Saxon times to house the shrine of Saint Ethelbert, a murdered king of East Anglia. A carefully preserved tooth of the saint was highly venerated in the Middle Ages. The church underwent several stages of rebuilding, most notably in the 13th century, when the north transept was built. Look at the triforium arches; they are triangular, almost straight-sided, an unusual effect known as the Geometric style. Hereford gained its second major shrine when miracles were reported at the tomb of Bishop Thomas de Cantilupe, who died in 1282.
Hereford,
Herefordshire,
England,
HR1 2NG
Attraction Type:
Cathedral
Website: Hereford Cathedral
Phone: 01432 374 202
Location
map
Details
of Hereford Cathedral
- Photos
of Hereford Cathedral
OS SO511 397
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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Lichfield Cathedral
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Lichfield's three towers, the "Ladies of the Vale", preside over a beautiful, though much restored, exterior. The cathedral suffered badly during the Civil War, being alternately beseiged and used to house soldiers and horses. It has also suffered from being built of sandstone, which is wonderful material for carving the statues which festoon its west front, but not so good at preserving the final effects of the mason's art. The statues that you can see today are Victorian replacements for earlier work. The nave is late 13th century. Of special note is the chapter house, built to a strange elongated octagonal design, and the Lady chapel, which is out of alignment to the main church.
19A The Close,
Lichfield,
Staffordshire,
England,
WS13 7LD
Attraction Type:
Cathedral
Website: Lichfield Cathedral
Email: enquiries@lichfield-cathedral.org
Phone: 01543 306 100
Fax: 01543 306 109
Location
map
OS SK116 097
Accommodation: nearest
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Lincoln Cathedral
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If Lincoln were merely an empty shell, it would still deserve a visit for the extraordinary exterior. Here is art in stone. The west front, in particular, is magnificent in its use of sculptural detail and the richness of its design. Lincoln was largely rebuilt beginning in 1186 after a fire destroyed the earlier Norman church. Under the direction of Hugh of Avalon (Great Saint Hugh), the choir and eastern transepts were built, followed (1215-55) by the nave and chapter house. The angel choir is a masterpiece of the Decorated style. Look up at the central tower. It rises to 271 feet. Now imagine a spire extending another 284 feet up! That tower fell down in 1548. In the south east porch is the "Judgement Portal", with its marvellous relief carvings of Christ presiding over the Last Day, and in the choir is the "crazy vault" of intertwining ribs crisscrossing the bay. Everywhere you look are incredible carvings in wood and stone. Plan on spending a long time at Lincoln Cathedral.
Lincoln,
Lincolnshire,
England,
LN2 1PZ
Attraction Type:
Cathedral
Website: Lincoln Cathedral
Email: visitors@lincolncathedral.com
Phone: 01522 544 544
Location
map
Details
of Lincoln Cathedral
OS SK977 718
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation: nearest
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More
Cathedrals in England
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Text © David Ross and Britain Express 2001
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