Cathedrals in England
Norwich - Rochester
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Norwich Cathedral is one of the great medieval churches of England, begun in the late 11th century by Herbert de Losinga. The nave features a superb combination of Norman arcades and triforium with later 15th-century vaulting and carved bosses. Beside the church are the medieval cloisters, again featuring wonderful carved and painted bosses.
65 The Close,
Norwich,
Norfolk,
England, NR1 4DH
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Heritage Highlight: 9th century Bishop's seat, 1106 carved medieval bosses
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A superb late Victorian Catholic church designed by George Gilbert Scott for the 15th Duke of Norfolk. Among the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in England, with stained glass to rival any in Europe.
Unthank Road,
Norwich,
Norfolk,
England, NR2 2PA
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Heritage Highlight: One of the high points of Victorian Gothic architecture
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This smallest of English cathedrals started life as a shrine to St. Frideswide, a lady whose reputation was made when a Saxon who tried to force himself on her was struck blind. In 1525 Cardinal Wolsey had half of the church nave pulled down to make way for his new Christ Church College. In 1546 the new see of Oxford was moved to this modest church, which also acts as the college chapel. The late 15th century vaulting is remarkable, with drooping pendants running the length of the choir.
St Aldates,
Oxford,
Oxfordshire,
England, OX1 1DP
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: 15th century roof vaulting
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Around 656 AD a monastery dedicated to St Dunstan was established at Peterborough. That Saxon monastery was destroyed by the Danes in 870 AD, and rebuilt by the Bishop of Winchester. Once again the monastery was destroyed, this time by fire. A new, grand cathedral was built, beginning in 1118. The huge nave, with 11 bays was built 1194-97. The wooden roof is highly decorated with well-preserved 133th century paintings. The unfortunate Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife, was buried here, as was Mary, Queen of Scots.
Minster Precincts,
Peterborough,
Cambridgeshire,
England, PE1 1XS
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Portsmouth Cathedral is a 12th-century church that became elevated to cathedral status in the 20th century. The core of the building was completed in only 16 years, to a cruciform plan with a crossing tower. The style is transitional Gothic.
High Street,
Old Portsmouth,
Hampshire,
England, PO1 2HH
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Heritage Highlight: 12th century chancel and transepts
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St. Cuthbert, who seems to have gotten about quite a bit during and after his lifetime (see Durham), was once guestmaster at the 7th century Celtic monastery here, but it was not until 1836 that Ripon became a cathedral. The original nave (circa 1180) had no aisles, the only illumination was from the clerestory. There is a Saxon crypt, but the rood screen and the choir stalls with their rich and allegorical carving are the chief interest. Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, is supposed to have been inspired by the strange beasts carved here.
Minster Road,
Ripon,
Yorkshire,
England, HG4 1QS
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Heritage Highlight: Saxon crypt built by St Wilfrid
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Although it is overshadowed by its near neighbour Rochester Castle, the cathedral has a fascinating history. Second only to Canterbury in age (the see was established in 604). For all its early history, the cathedral as we see it is mostly 12th century. The west door is a notable example of Romanesque sculpture. Rochester became an important pilgrimage centre in the 13th century when William of Perth, a Scot on his way to the Holy Land, was murdered there, and miracles were reported at his tomb. The pilgrims paid for the choir and presbytery.
Garth House, The Precinct Rochester,
Kent,
England, ME1 1SX
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