Glasgow Cathedral - Top Attractions | People Make Glasgow | People Make Glasgow Glasgow Cathedral Visit Website Telephone: 0141 552 8198 “A fantastic way to travel back in time”. That’s how one visitor recently described this superb medieval cathedral. Just 10 minutes walk from the city centre, it’s the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the 1560 Reformation almost entirely intact. This magnificent example of Scottish Gothic architecture was built between the 13th & 15th centuries and is widely regarded as the high point of cathedral building in Europe. But no description of the cathedral would be complete without mentioning its inextricable link with the city’s patron saint & founder, St. Mungo, who built his church on this site and who was buried here in 612. Mungo was the first bishop within the ancient British kingdom of Strathclyde. His diocese was vast, reaching from Loch Lomond in the north, to Cumbria in the south, and his shrine here was a great centre of Christian pilgrimage until the Scottish Reformation.

The crypt within the Cathedral was constructed in the mid-1200s to house the tomb of St Kentigern. Wander around the cathedral and you’ll see many connections down the ages, from the ancient trades on which the city built her fortune, to the military and the law. Other connections run through the cathedral’s history: one of Scotland’s most famous literary sons, Sir Walter Scott, refers to the kirk (Scottish for church) in his novel, Rob Roy. And no visitor should leave without gazing up at the breathtaking white ceiling in the Blackadder Aisle which was built around 1500 by Archbishop Blackadder - no relation to a certain famous TV character! If you have time, pop next door to the award-winning St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art , named after the patron saint. It’s a haven of tranquillity in the bustling city.

Opening times Please be aware of the Cathedral's seasonal opening times when planning a visit: Summer (April to September) Weekdays between 9.30am and 5.30pm Saturdays between 9.30am and 5.30pm Sundays between 1.00pm and 5.00pm N.B. last admission to Cathedral is 30 minutes prior to the closing time listed, 5:00 pm in Spring/Summer (4:30 on Sundays). Last admission to Lower Church is 45 minutes prior to closing time. There is a Service of Choral Evensong held in the Nave each Sunday at 4:00 pm to which visitors are most welcome. Those visitors not wishing to attend are asked to respect the sanctity of the proceedings. Winter (October to March) Weekdays between 10:00 am and 4.00 pm Saturdays between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Sundays between 1.00pm and 4:00 pm There is a Service of Choral Evensong held in the Nave each Sunday at 4:00 pm to which visitors are most welcome.

Those visitors not wishing to attend are asked to respect the sanctity of the proceedings. Glasgow Cathedral Precinct Glasgow's fine mediaeval cathedral is situated well away from the present day city centre. It was founded in ancient times in the high ground above the old town, alongside the Molendinar Burn in Townhead. Glasgow Cathedral The city's ancient cathedral is dedicated to Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo (or Kentigern) who established a church on the site at the beginning of the 7th century and was buried there around the year 612. The present structure was built in the 12th and 13th centuries over a long number of years and is Glasgow's best example of the intricacies of mediaeval architecture. The cathedral was consecrated on 6th July 1197, during Bishop Joceline's term in office. It replaced an earlier cathedral church which originated in 1124, when Bishop John Achaius began work on a small place of worship built of stone and wood which was solemnly dedicated to its patron, St. Mungo, in the presence of King David and his Court on 7th July 1136.

The See of Glasgow had been established in 1115, with John Achaius being the first of twenty seven bishops who served the diocese until 9th January 1492 when Robert Blackadder became the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Glasgow. Pope Alexander VI had elevated the See to an Archdiocese on 9th October 1488. There followed five archbishops prior to the Reformation, overseeing the dioceses of Argyll and the Isles, Dunblane, Dunkeld and Galloway. The final pre-Reformation custodian was Archbishop James Beaton who fled to Paris in 1560, taking with him the registers of the diocese together with the Cathedral's relics and valuable ornamentation. The Cathedral had been desecrated at the height of Reformation fervour in 1560, but on 21st August 1574 Glasgow's citizens voluntarily subscribed for its repair. There was an intermittent number of Protestant bishops until 1689 when Presbyterianism became the established religion of Scotland. The stone tower and spire of the cathedral, illustrated below, were later additions to the structure following the collapse of an early wooden tower.

Drawing of tower and spire of Glasgow Cathedral The cathedral�s earlier wooden steeple had been destroyed by a lightning strike in the early 1400�s. Bishop William Lauder, who was in office from 1408 to 1425, built the present tower as far up as the battlements. The octagonal spire was added by his successor, Bishop John Cameron, who served the diocese between 1426 and 1446. Tomb and chapel of Saint Mungo in the crypt of Glasgow Cathedral View of the sunlit interior of Glasgow Cathedral, 1838 Choir and Nave of Glasgow Cathedral c.1900 Glasgow Cathedral from the South-west c.1900 Grand Western Doorway of Glasgow Cathedral A brief history of the pre-Reformation See of Glasgow was published in the The People's History of Glasgow of 1899. The list of the bishops and archbishops shows the names of many bishops-elect who never survived mediaeval mortal dangers long enough to celebrate their episcopal ordination.

While exiled in Paris, Archbishop James Beaton was the confidential agent of Mary Queen of Scots until her forced abdication in 1567. Mary had been Queen Consort of France until the death of King Fran�ois II in December 1560, five months after the Archbishop's dramatic departure from Glasgow. Queen Mary naively left France for a very hostile anti-Catholic Scotland in August 1561. Beaton later acted as Scotland's ambassador at the French Court under King James VI, who had assumed the throne of his mother following a long period of minority. Glasgow's church records and Beaton's diplomatic correspondence were deposited in the archives of the Scots College and at the Convent of the Chartreuse of Paris. The Scots College of Paris would subsequently hold the artefacts and private royal memoirs of the exiled House of Stuart, the Jacobite party of Britain. Mary's nearest local kinsfolk in the Glasgow area were the Stuarts of Castlemilk , who had a long association with France and the "Auld Alliance" against England.

The tragic queen resided with her relatives before the fateful Battle of Langside in May 1568, the loss of which led to her lengthy imprisonment and eventual execution. Charcoal drawing of Glasgow Cathedral Map of Glasgow Cathedral Precinct as it would have appeared c.1547 The map above is a Victorian representation of the area surrounding the Cathedral in 1547. It was created from original records by Sir James Marwick who was Town Clerk of Glasgow from 1873 to 1903. Quadrivium is Latin for "four ways", while the more popular Scots name for this crossroads was "Wyndeheid". The Cathedral is shown as a Metropolitan Church, indicating Glasgow's status as a city with a Metropolitan Archbishop overseeing the surrounding dioceses. The Archbishop lived in the castle nearby, which gave its name to today's Castle Street. Ruins of Bishop's Castle at Glasgow Cathedral The castle was first mentioned in 1258 in the Chartulary of Glasgow as the residence of Bishop William de Bondington. The structure suffered great damage during the Reformation, being seen as a centre of ecclesiastical power. The castle was besieged at various times during this period.

By 1720 the castle had been reduced to a mere quarry, with many stones removed for the erection of new buildings. The ruins of the castle were razed in 1792 when work began on the first Royal Infirmary which was demolished around 1900. The site is now the occupied by the St Mungo Museum of Religious Art, where the castle's old foundations were exposed during construction. The engraving above was made from an accurate drawing of the remains prior to their removal. Ruins of St Nicholas Hospital behind the Great Tower of the Bishop's Castle The Great Tower of the Bishop�s Castle, illustrated above, was erected by Bishop John Cameron in the 1430�s, around the same time as the cathedral spire. St Nicholas Hospital was established in 1456 by Bishop Andrew Muirhead and endowed with an income for the care of both laymen and priests. In 1789 the ruins of the hospital were acquired by the magistrates of Glasgow and were demolished with the exception of the building now known as Provand's Lordship, illustrated below.

Glasgow's oldest house, Provand's Lordship, is situated on the west side of Castle Street, close to the Cathedral. It was built in 1471 as part of the Hospital of St. Nicholas and is all that now remains of that institution. The house's current title dates from 1562 when Mary Queen of Scots granted the lands of Provan to William Baillie, a canon of the Cathedral. Baillie's possession of the house had been confirmed by Royal Charter by the Queen. Provand's Lordship The house was owned by Provand's Lordship Society until 1978, when the City Council agreed to take it over to relieve the Society of the financial burden. The Council carried out an extensive �200,000 refurbishment which was completed in June 1983, after which the building was opened to the public as a museum. Domestic architecture of the 15th century was purely functional and was not regarded as an art form. The mediaeval churches aspiring to the heavens where in a different category altogether, with designs which were open to continental influences from pre-Reformation Catholic Europe.

The outside of the house, with its 3 storey random rubble stonework is as much a museum piece as the artefacts within, as it gives us a rare insight into the domestic architecture of early Glasgow. In 1993 a second phase of renovation commenced, to restore the ancient cloisters and re-create the ancient St Nicholas physic garden to the rear. The work was completed in May 1995 at a cost of �175,000. There is now a covered walkway at the north and west walls, as well as cobbled pathways through the beautiful herb garden. One of the garden walls features a very old sculpted Glasgow coat of arms (above); elsewhere in the cloisters the walls are adorned with the "Tontine Faces" recovered from the long demolished Town Hall in Trongate. View of houses in on west side of Castle Street, 1843 View of the castle's Great Tower with Glasgow Cathedral in the background The area to the east of the Cathedral, shown on the map as Wester Craigs, was to be later developed as the site of the Glasgow Necropolis.

The brief history of the Glasgow Necropolis, shown below, has been extracted from The People's History of Glasgow, published in 1899. Molendinar Burn flowing past Cathedral, approaching Bridge of Sighs to Necropolis Engraving showing the Bridge of Sighs carrying pathway over the Molendinar Burn Walkways beneath the Bridge of Sighs at Molendinar Burn Map of High Street, Glasgow, as it would have appeared c.1547 High Street is shown in the map as "Street from Mercat Cross to Metropolitan Church". The secular part of the city was based around the Mercat Cross, the present day Glasgow Cross. This area is featured in my Merchant City page. Glasgow's status as a pre-Reformation ecclesiastical centre is shown by the number of religous institutions to be found within such a small area. Two religous orders, the Franciscan "Grayfriars" and the Dominican "Blakfriars", owned land and property in the area.

The site of Glasgow University is shown on the map just north of Blackfriars monastery as "College and Yard" Birds eye view of College and original Blackfrairs Church Engraving showing front and rear views of Blackfriars Church, built in 1702 The Blackfriars monastery was destroyed in the summer of 1560 and the clergy who had lived in the cloisters were dispersed. The church survived as a Presbyterian kirk until 29th October 1670 when it was hit by lightning and left as a ruin for some years, unfit for use as a place of worship. The replacement church which opened for public worship on 18th January 1702 is shown in the engraving above. Strangely, it retained the name of Blackfriars, despite the fact that the Dominicans had long been absent from the city. This church was acquired for railway redevelopment in 1875 and subsequently demolished.

'A Prospect of the entry into the Blackfriars Church Glasgow, March 1st 1736' Grayfriars Wynd and Blackfriars Wynd, 1807 The sites of the old monastic communities were still remembered in street names a few centuries after their disappearance. Following the turmoil of the Reformation, the Dominicans did not return to Glasgow until the 1960's. Glasgow's Dominican community has been based in St Columba's Church since 2005. St Columba's is an "A" listed building designed by Jack Coia around the time of the outbreak of World War II. Site of former Franciscan Monastery, Grayfriars Wynd The Franciscan friars' presence in Scotland dates back to 1224, during the lifetime of the order's founder, St. Francis of Assisi. They became established in Glasgow in 1476 at Grayfriars Wynd on the western side of High Street, opposite the University. The friars returned to post-Reformation Glasgow in October 1868 and later made their home at the St Francis Church and Friary in Cumberland Street, Gorbals.

In the 1990's they relocated to the former St Luke's building in Ballater Street, renamed as the Church of Blessed John Duns Scotus. These buildings are featured in the Hutchesontown-Gorbals page of this website. The land and buildings of the Dominican Blackfriars were acquired by Glasgow University in 1572, the same year as the Cathedral was first used as a Presbyterian place of worship. Twenty years after the obliteration of most of the area's ecclesiastical buildings, the Protestant clergy were still in favour of the total destruction of the Cathedral because of its Roman Catholic origins. In 1579 the magistrates of Glasgow agreed to their request for its demolition, but were prevented from carrying it out by the "incorporations of the city". Proposal for the destruction of Glasgow Cathedral in 1579 The painting below, 'Defence of the Cathedral by the Trades House' by David Roberts (1796-1863), depicts the events of 1579 when the Cathedral was in danger of being destroyed by the Calvinist zealots who viewed the ancient structure as as a monument to Catholic 'idolatry'.

The painting shows the defensive forces gathering around the Western Tower, which was demolished at the end of the 1840's. 'Defence of the Cathedral by the Trades House' by David Roberts View of College Buildings when Glasgow University was situated on High Street Glasgow University was established on 4th January 1450 by a Bull granted by Pope Nicholas to Bishop William Turnbull. Classes commenced in 1451 in the crypt of the Cathedral. In 1458 Lord Hamilton granted the University four acres of ground adjacent to the Blackfriars monastery and in 1465 they transferred to buildings on the new site. The University expanded its presence on the High Street until 1864 when the old College buildings and grounds, shown in the above engraving, were sold to the City Union Railway Company for �100,000. The University Senate used the proceeds to purchase the present day site of the campus at Gilmorehill, were the old College gateway was later re-erected.

Old gateway of Glasgow University with arms of King Charles II Gateway of Glasgow University when used as entrance for College Station After demolition, the remains of the old gateway and the gilded arms of King Charles II were incorporated into the gatehouse of the new university campus at Gilmorehill. The expense of re-erecting these salvaged remnants was met by Sir William Pearce, after whom the gatehouse was named "Pearce Lodge", when it was completed in 1888. I have featured some drawings of the present day Glasgow University buildings in my Peripheral Glasgow page. Entrance and clock tower of Glasgow University showing gateway now reconstructed at Pearce Lodge Inner Court of the old Glasgow University Crypt of Glasgow Cathedral were Glasgow University was founded. Fortunately the old college buildings survived into the age of photography before their demolition. Photographs of the old buildings of Glasgow University The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum was designed by the architect William Stark in 1804 and opened in 1807. The Museum contained the collection of William Hunter, a distinguished physician based in London, who bequeathed it to the university in 1783.

The Hunterian was Scotland's first public museum, designed in the Roman style with a fa�ade of six doric columns supporting an ornamented pediment. The central dome was constructed with stone, topped with a glazed cupola. The museum was demolished in 1870, but its valuable contents were fortunately removed to Gilmorehill after the university moved there from High Street. Original Hunterian Museum, Glasgow University St Mungo Museum & Visitor Centre In 1993 at a cost of over �4 million, the St Mungo Museum of Religious Art was opened to the public. It was built on the site of the Bishop's Castle, which was later replaced with the first Royal Infimary, which was also demolished. The architects, Page and Park of Glasgow created a 5 storey stone museum in period style to fit in to the Cathedral precinct. The main attraction for a long period was Salvador Dali's masterpiece "Christ of St John of the Cross", which was returned to the refurbished Kelvingrove Art Gallery in 2006.

As well as the cathedral, there are other churches, both active and redundant, in Townhead, which is situated immediately north of the Merchant City, with the M8 motorway running straight through it. St Mungo's Church, Parson Street, Townhead St Mungo's Church, which is dedicated to the city's patron saint, was completed in 1869 to the designs of George Goldie. It was built in an unusual Gothic style with an attractive cream sandstone and features a series of lancet arches along the frontage. Inside the church you can see some of Goldie's elaborate sculptural additions and finishes. St Mungo's is different in style to most of Glasgow's later Victorian Catholic churches, which were commissioned by Most Reverend Charles Eyre (right), who was consecrated to the See of Glasgow in 1869. He assumed the office of Archbishop of Glasgow in 1878 following the restoration of the hierarchy in Scotland. His favoured architects were Pugin & Pugin, who specialised in Italianate and Gothic styled churches.

The best local example of Peter Paul Pugin's design genius can be seem in the interior of St Peter's Church, featured in my Partick Churches web page. When he first came to Glasgow, Charles Eyre's title was titular Bishop of Anazarba, Apostolic Delegate for Scotland and Administrator Apostolic of the Western District. St Andrew's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Clyde Street, where Archbishop Eyre was based, is featured in my Merchant City page. Windows at St Mungo's Church, Parson Street, Townhead Parson Street was the birthplace of Glasgow's most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, in 1868. Mackintosh assisted in the design of Martyrs School, which was completed in 1898. Martyrs School, Parson Street, Townhead Barony Church, High Street The Church of Scotland's Barony Church, which was dedicated in April 1889, replaced an earlier church situated just south of the Cathedral. The new church, situated at the corner of High Street and Rottenrow, was designed by J.J. Burnet and J.A. Campbell in the Scottish vernacular style.

It is now used as a function hall by Strathclyde University, who have many buildings in the vicinity. Engraving of Barony Church, Townhead Early 1950's view of trolleybus passing Barony Church and Royal Infirmary The original Barony Church (below) was built for the residents of the landward areas of the city, which formed a distinct parish covering an extensive area known as the Barony of Glasgow. The congregation gathered in the crypt of the Cathedral until 1798 when their own church was completed to the designs of James Adam. Original Barony Church with Cathedral in the background Glasgow Evangelical Church The Glasgow Evangelical Church, formerly known as Barony North Church, is situated in the pedestrianised Cathedral Square, from which it took another of its previous titles, Cathedral Square UP Church. It was designed by John Honeyman (left) and completed in 1880. Honeyman was also responsible for the alterations of 1901. It has a refreshingly original Italianate styling, completly different from any of the surrounding buildings, sitting neatly amidst the gardens of the square.

One of Glasgow's recent architectural losses, Townhead Library, was situated in the shadow of a motorway flyover. The library, like many of the churches in areas of depopulation, no longer had a sufficient population to support its original purpose. In this case however demolition, rather than renovation and conversion, was the preferred option and the library was pulled down in 1998. Townhead Library It was fashioned as an Italianate pavilion by John Fairweather, who was later to specialise in cinemas and theatres. The reading room had a most attractive arched ceiling with rooflights, while the lending library had an ornate glass dome overhead. I have featured two black and white photographs of the library's interior from 1907 in my Carnegie Libraries of Scotland web site. The library was officially opened on 4th July, 1907 by Sir James Fleming. 1850's map of Townhead, Glasgow Engraving showing communal washing green close to Glasgow Cathedral Aerial view of Royal Infirmary, Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis This engraving shows a view of the city from Craigpark to the east of Townhead.

The "Lands of Craigpark" are now part of the district of Dennistoun. The Royal Infirmary can be seen in the background. View of Townhead and Glasgow Cathedral from Craigpark, 1838 Engraving of Glasgow Cathedral from 1811 ST. MUNGO CATHEDRAL - Grégory Herpe Photo ST. MUNGO CATHEDRAL Article number: ST. MUNGO CATHEDRAL * PEARL GLOSSY PAPER * SIZE 50 x 40 CM (EXCL. FRAME) Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and covers the northern third of the island ofGreat Britain. It shares a border with England to the south, and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to the east and the North Channeland Irish Sea to the south-west. In addition to the mainland, the country is made up of more than 790 islands, including the Northern Isles and the Hebrides.

Edinburgh, the country's capital and second-largest city, was the hub of the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, which transformed Scotland into one of the commercial, intellectual, and industrial powerhouses of Europe. Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, was once one of the world's leading industrial cities and now lies at the centre of the Greater Glasgow conurbation. Scottish waters consist of a large sector of the North Atlantic and the North Sea, containing the largest oil reserves in theEuropean Union. This has given Aberdeen, the third-largest city in Scotland, the title of Europe's oil capital. The Kingdom of Scotland emerged as an independent sovereign state in the Early Middle Ages and continued to exist until 1707. In 1603, James VI, King of Scotland also became King of England (modern day England and Wales) and King of Ireland (as James I of England and James I of Ireland, the first ruler of each from the House of Stuart), thus forming a personal union of the three kingdoms (although England and Ireland were already in a personal union since Henry VIII of England was named King of Ireland by the Irish Parliament in 1542).

Scotland subsequently entered into a political union with England on 1 May 1707 to create the new Kingdom of Great Britain(although James had titled himself "King of Great Britain"). The union also created a new Parliament of Great Britain, which succeeded both the Parliament of Scotlandand the Parliament of England. The Treaty of Union was agreed in 1706 and enacted by the twin Acts of Union 1707 passed by the Parliaments of both countries, despite some popular opposition and anti-union riots in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and elsewhere. Great Britain itself subsequently entered into a political union with Ireland on 1 January 1801 to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Scotland's legal system has remained separate from those of England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and Scotland constitutes a distinct jurisdiction in public and private law. The continued existence of legal, educational and religious institutions distinct from those in the remainder of the UK have all contributed to the continuation of Scottish culture and national identity since the 1707 union. In 1999, a devolved legislature, the Scottish Parliament, was reconvened with authority over many areas of home affairs following a referendum in 1997.

In May 2011, the Scottish National Party won an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament; as a result a referendum on Scottish independence took place on 18 September 2014, which was rejected by a majority of the Scottish population. Scotland is a member nation of the British–Irish Council, and the British–Irish Parliamentary Assembly. Scotland is represented in the European Union and the European Parliament with six MEPs. copyright: Add your review 0 stars based on 0 reviews Cathedrals in the UK | Interactive Map Photo Gallery Cathedrals in Britain From the world-famous St Paul's in London to the charming 12th century St David's Cathedral in Wales, simply scroll down to see our interactive map of the Christian cathedrals in Britain. Although we have attempted to be as thorough as possible, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a cathedral that we have not included on the map. What is a Cathedral? A cathedral is not just a large church. The word 'cathedral' comes from the Latin word cathedra meaning 'seat' or 'chair', and refers to the presence of the bishop's or archbishop's chair or throne.

It is the most important church in the diocese. What is a Minster - is it the same as a Cathedral? Sometimes but not always. Minsters were established during Anglo-Saxon times and were the churches attached to a monastery or monasterium. Nowadays the term 'minster' has come to refer more generally to any large or important, often parish, church. Famous minsters include York Minster, Southwell Minster and Westminster in London. Cathedrals in England Aldershot Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of St Michael and St George serves as the Roman Catholic cathedral for the Bishopric of the Forces, which provides chaplains to the British Armed Forces. The church was designed in 1892 by two military engineers, originally intended as the principal church for the Anglican chaplaincies of the British Army, it eventually became the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Forces instead. Arundel Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, was dedicated in 1873 as the Catholic parish church of Arundel, and designated a cathedral in 1965.

The cathedral's location, construction, and design owe much to the Howard family, who, as Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Arundel, are the most prominent Catholic family in England. The architectural style of the cathedral is French Gothic, a suitable counterpart to their nearby home …Arundel Castle. Birmingham Cathedral Church of England Designed by the English Baroque architect, Thomas Archer, St Philip's was originally built as a parish church in 1715. It became the cathedral of the newly formed Diocese of Birmingham in 1905. Birmingham Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Metropolitan Cathedral Church and Basilica of Saint Chad was the first Catholic cathedral to be built in England after the English Reformation initiated in 1534 by King Henry VIII. Designed by Augustus Pugin, it was completed in 1841 and raised to cathedral status in 1852. Blackburn Cathedral Church of England One of England's newest cathedrals, with the creation of the Diocese of Blackburn in 1926, the parish church of St Mary the Virgin was elevated to cathedral status. The church, which was built in 1826, now forms the cathedral's nave.

Bradford Cathedral Church of England A site of Christian worship since Anglo-Saxon times, a later Norman church stood for 300 years before being destroyed by raiding Scots. During the fourteenth century the church was rebuilt, the oldest parts of the present building were completed in 1458. Brentwood Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Helen dates from 1861. Originally a parish church built in a gothic style, this relatively small building was elevated to Cathedral status in 1917. Enlarged between 1989-1991, the new cathedral was dedicated on 31 May 1991. Bristol Cathedral Church of England Founded as St Augustine's Abbey in 1140, the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity became the seat of the bishop and cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol in 1542. St Edmundsbury Cathedral Church of England A church has stood on the site of the current cathedral for over a 1,000 years. Largely rebuilt in the 16th century St James Church became St Edmundsbury Cathedral in 1914.

Canterbury Cathedral Church of England One of the oldest and most famous Christian buidlings in England, the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ at Canterbury, is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England and head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Founded in 597, it was completely rebuilt 1070-77. Carlisle Cathedral Church of England The second smallest (after Oxford), of England's ancient cathedrals, the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity was founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1122, and was elevated to cathedral status in 1133. Chelmsford Cathedral Church of England Originally dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, the first church on the site of the present Cathedral was founded, along with the town of Chelmsford itself, some 800 years ago. It became a Cathedral in 1914. Chester Cathedral Church of England Formerly the abbey church of St Werburgh's, a Benedictine monastery, the cathedral is part of a heritage site that also includes the former monastic buildings.

The cathedral has been modified many times from its foundation in 1093, through to the early 16th century. Chichester Cathedral Church of England Founded as a cathedral in 1075, when the seat of the bishop was moved from nearby Selsey. It was completed under Bishop Ralph de Luffa in time for its dedication to the Holy Trinity in 1108. Clifton Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Commissioned in 1965, the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of SS. Peter and Paul was constructed over a three year period and was consecrated on 29th June 1973 Coventry Cathedral Church of England The new St Michael's Cathedral stands alongside the ruined shell of its predecessor, destroyed in a bombing raid during the Second World War. Together in hallowed ground, the two create one living Cathedral. Derby Cathedral Church of England The building previously known as All Saints' Church, became a cathedral in 1927. The current structure dates mainly from the 18th century with a 16th century tower, although the original church was founded in 943 by King Edmund I.

Durham Cathedral Church of England Founded in 1093, the cathedral is regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture and replaced the 10th century "White Church", which was built as part of a monastic foundation to house the shrine of Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. Ely Cathedral Church of England Known locally as "the ship of the Fens", the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely dates from 1083. It stands on the site of a much earlier Anglo-Saxon church, founded by St. Etheldreda around 673. Exeter Cathedral Church of England The founding of a cathedral at Exeter dates from 1050, when the seat of the bishop of Devon and Cornwall was moved from Crediton, due to the fear of pagan raids from the sea. The present Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Exeter, was completed around 1400, although Its official foundations date from 1133. Gloucester Cathedral Church of England The origins of the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity date from Osric, an Anglo-Saxon prince in 678.

The foundations of the present church were laid by Abbot Serlo in 1089. Guildford Cathedral Church of England Stands in a commanding position, the solid red brick outline of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit, Guildford, can be seen from from miles around. Construction of the cathedral began in 1936, however the Second World War delayed its consecration until 1961. Hereford Cathedral Church of England Although a place of Christian worship since the 8th century, the earliest surviving building is the 11th century bishop's chapel. The current medieval Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin and St Ethelbert the King, dates mainly from the 14th to 16th centuries. Lancaster Cathedral Roman Catholic Church A former a Roman Catholic parish church dating from 1859, it was elevated to the status of the Cathedral Church of St Peter, in 1924. Leeds Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Built in 1878, the original cathedral was located in St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church, but that building was demolished by Leeds Corporation in 1899.

A new site was found and the current cathedral building was completed in 1904. Leicester Cathedral Church of England A church dedicated to St Martin has been on the current site since 1086, when the older Saxon church was replaced by a Norman one. The church was elevated to Cathedral status in 1927. Lichfield Cathedral Church of England The religious centre of the Kingdom of Mercia since 669, the early wooden Saxon church of St Chad was replaced by a Norman cathedral in 1085, then by the current Gothic cathedral begun in 1195. Lincoln Cathedral Church of England Construction of the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln, began in 1088 and continued throughout the medieval period. Suffering fire and earthquakes in its early years, it was said to be the tallest building in world for 238 years, until its central spire collapsed in 1549. Liverpool Cathedral Church of England Although the foundation stone was laid by King Edward VII in 1904, the building of the cathedral was delayed first through design and redesign issues, and then still further by two world wars.

A service of dedication was finally held in October 1978. Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Initially, Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to provide a design, which if built, would have become the second-largest church in the world. Building work began in June 1933. In 1941, the restrictions of World War II and rising costs from £3-£27 million, forced construction to stop. Work eventually recommenced on the crypt, which was finished in 1958. The present Cathedral was designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd. Construction took place between October 1962 and May 1967, but soon after its opening, it began to exhibit architectural flaws. This led to the cathedral authorities suing Sir Frederick for £1.3 million. London Cathedral (St Paul's) Church of England A cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood atop Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, for more than 1,400 years. The present structure, the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, is at least the fourth to have stood on the site.

Built between 1675 and 1710, after its predecessor was destroyed by the Great Fire of London. London Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile, is the cathedral of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Apostolic Exarchate in Great Britain. The structure was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect of the Natural History Museum, and built as the King’s Weigh House Chapel in 1891. Manchester Cathedral Church of England Although extensively restored and extended during the Victorian era, and then again after severe bomb damage during the Manchester Blitz of 1940, the main body of the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George, largely derives from a medieval parish church Middlesbrough Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin is a modern, light building, specifically designed to involve the congregation in active participation. An earlier cathedral, on another site in the city, had served the community since 1879. Newcastle Cathedral Church of England The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, is named after the patron saint of sailors and boats.

Originally a parish church dating from 1091, this was destroyed by fire in 1216 and later rebuilt in 1359. It became a cathedral in 1882 when the Diocese of Newcastle was created. Newcastle Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St. Mary, was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin and built in the Gothic Revival style of architecture championed by him, between 1842 and 1844. It gained the status of a cathedral church in 1850. Norwich Cathedral Church of England Dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Norwich Cathedral was built between 1096-1145 and added to throughout the medieval period. An earlier Saxon settlement and two churches were demolished to make room for the buildings. Norwich Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist is the second largest Roman Catholic cathedral in England. Constructed between 1882 and 1910 as a parish church, it was consecrated as the cathedral for the Diocese of East Anglia in 1976.

Northampton Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The origins of the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Thomas date back to 1840, when Augustus Pugin was commisioned to design a collegiate chapel. Pugin's son Edward, was invited to further extend the building creating the current cathedral, which opened in 1864. Nottingham Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Designed by Augustus Pugin, the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St. Barnabas was built between 1841-1844. It was raised to cathedral status in 1852, by a decree of Pope Pius IX. Oxford Cathedral Church of England Christ Church Cathedral is the cathedral for the Diocese of Oxford, in addition, it is also the chapel of Christ Church, a college of the University of Oxford. Originally the church of St Frideswide's Priory, Cardinal Wolsey began the building of his college here in 1522. Peel Cathedral Church of England The Cathedral Church of Saint German is the parish church of the parish of German, which was built 1879-84. It was made a cathedral by an Act of Tynwald in 1980.

The remains of the original cathedral (circa 1183) lie within the walls of Peel Castle, which fell into ruin in the 18th century. Peterborough Cathedral Church of England With its origins dating back to King Peada, who founded the first monastery on the site in 655. It was built in its present form between 1118 and 1238, and became the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Peterborough in 1541. Plymouth Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface first opened for Catholic Mass on 25th March 1858, and was consecrated in September 1880. The Patron St Boniface was born in nearby Crediton. Portsmouth Cathedral Church of England Around 1180, Jean de Gissor, a wealthy Norman merchant gifted land to Augustinian canons, to build a chapel "to the Glorious Honour of the Martyr Thomas of Canterbury." The chapel first became a parish church in the 14th century and a cathedral in the 20th century.

Portsmouth Cathedral Roman Catholic Church St John's Cathedral opened for worship in August 1882 and was immediately made the Mother Church of the new Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. It replaced a chapel built in 1796, which subsequently closed. The cathedral was completed in four phases, between 1882 and 1906 Ripon Cathedral Church of England Saint Wilfred built one of England’s first stone churches on this site in 672. Today’s church is the fourth to have occupied this site. The tiny 7th century chapel remains complete beneath the later grandeur of Archbishop Roger de Pont l’Evêque’s 12th century minster. Rochester Cathedral Church of England The second oldest bishopric in England, the Rochester diocese was founded by Justus, one of the missionaries who accompanied St Augustine of Canterbury in the early 7th century. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk, Gundulf, in 1080. St Albans Cathedral Church of England The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban is dedicated to Britain's first Christian martyr.

Alban surrendered his life for his faith in the pre-Christian Roman city of Verulamium, present day St Albans. Much of its present architecture is Norman, and it became a cathedral in 1877. Salford Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of St. John the Evangelist was built between 1844-48 to designs of Matthew Ellison Hadfield. It was the first Catholic church to be built in cruciform shape since the Reformation and was closely modelled on the Gothic builders of the 13th and 14th centuries. Salisbury Cathedral Church of England In 1220 AD Bishop Richard Poore and his architect Elias de Derham set about building a new state-of-the-art Gothic style cathedral to replace the old Norman Cathedral at Old Sarum. Completed in just 38 years, it features a single consistent architectural style. Sheffield Cathedral Church of England Originally a parish church, the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Sheffield was elevated to cathedral status when the new diocese was created in 1914. The current structure has been changed and rebuilt over several centuries.

Sheffield Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Designed by Matthew Ellison Hadfield, the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St Marie was closely modelled on a 14th century church at Heckington, Lincolnshire. St Marie’s opened in 1850, and was consecrated after the buidling debt had been paid off in 1889. Shrewsbury Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Designed by Edward Pugin the son of Augustus, the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of Our Lady, Help of Christians and St. Peter of Alcantara, was completed in 1856. A much grander building had been planned, but these designs could not be carried out due to the site's weak foundations. Southwark Cathedral Church of England The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie 'over the water' has been a place of Christian worship for more than 1,000 years, but a cathedral only since the creation of the diocese of Southwark in 1905. The church in its present form, dates between 1220-1420.

Southwark Cathedral (or St George's Cathedral) Roman Catholic Church Situated opposite the Imperial War Museum close to Waterloo station, St George's Cathedral was consecrated in 1848 but was heavily damaged by bombing in World War 2. The photo on the right shows a priest surveying the damage. Southwell Minster Church of England The earliest church on the site is believed to have been founded in 627. The Norman reconstruction of the minster began in 1108, probably as a gradual rebuilding of the Anglo-Saxon stone church. The minster finally became a cathedral in 1884. Truro Cathedral Church of England The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Truro, was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style between 1880 -1910, on the site of the 16th century parish church of St Mary the Virgin. Wakefield Cathedral Church of England The Cathedral Church of All Saints is situated in the centre of Wakefield, on the site of a Saxon church. The current Norman structure was rebuilt in 1329, and rebuilt and enlarged again in 1469.

All Saints Church became the cathedral of the diocese in 1888. Wells Cathedral Church of England The first church was established on the site in 705 by King Ine of Wessex. Construction of the present cathedral began in 1175 and was largely complete at the time of its dedication in 1239. Westminster Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Westminster Cathedral in London is the mother church of the Catholic community in England and Wales. The site was purchased by the Archdiocese of Westminster in 1885 and construction started in 1895. The cathedral opened in 1903, however due to a quirk of Catholic Church law the consecration ceremony did not take place until June 1910. Winchester Cathedral Church of England A cathedral was founded close to the current building in 652, when England’s pagan monarchy first became Christians. Known as the Old Minster, it was demolished in 1093, immediately after the consecration of its new Norman successor.

Worcester Cathedral Church of England The current Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin of Worcester, was built between 1084-1504, and as such almost every style of English architecture is represented. The older Saxon cathedral it replaced was founded in 680. York Minster Church of England The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. The first recorded church on the site was a wooden structure hurriedly built in 627 to provide a place to baptise Edwin, King of Northumbria. The current Norman style building dates from 1080, which has been added to over the centuries. Abderdeen Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church The Episcopal Cathedral Church of St Andrew opened in 1817 as St Andrew's Chapel and was raised to Cathedral status in 1914. Designed by local architect Archibald Simpson, who became famous for planning the new town of Edinburgh. Ayr Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of Saint Margaret, also known as Ayr Cathedral, is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galloway.

St Margaret’s was designated a cathedral in 2007, and is the most recent church to be given status as a Roman Catholic cathedral in the United Kingdom. Dornoch Cathedral Church of Scotland Dornoch Cathedral was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Alexander II as the cathedral church of the diocese of Caithness. It was built by Gilbert de Moravia, Bishop of Caithness, at his own expense. Almost totally destroyed during a fire in 1570, it was partially restored in 1616 and fully restored in 1837. Dundee Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church Built on the site a medieval seat of power in the area, the foundation stone of the Anglican St Paul's Cathedral was laid on 21 July 1853 and it was completed in 1855. Designed by George Gilbert Scott in Middle Gothic style, it was raised to cathedral status in 1905. Edinburgh St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Edinburgh, was consecrated in 1879.

St Mary’s is Scotland’s largest cathedral, and a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral Church of Scotland Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St Giles is dedicated to the patron saint of Edinburgh. A place of worship for over 900 years, the present cathedral dates from the late 14th century but with extensive 19th century restorations. Glasgow Cathedral Church of Scotland Glasgow church is reputedly built on the same site where the Patron Saint of Glasgow, St Mungo, built his own church in the early 7th century. The current building dates from the 13th century, and is one of the few medieval cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the reformation intact. St Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow Scottish Episcopal Church The Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, was opened on 9 November 1871 as St Mary's Episcopal Church and was completed in 1893. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it was raised to cathedral status in 1908. It is one of four cathedrals in Glasgow.

Inverness Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church The Episcopal Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew was designed by local architect Alexander Ross, with construction starting in 1866, the building work was completed in 1869. A lack of funding meant that the two giant spires featured in his design were never realised. Millport Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church The Cathedral of The Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit is Britain’s smallest Cathedral and dates from 1851. Planned as a theological college for the Scottish Episcopal Church, it was seen as a “new” Iona, and in 1876 was consecrated Cathedral of the Isles. Motherwell Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Good Aid, popularly known as Motherwell Cathedral, opened as a Roman Catholic parish church in December 1900, it was elevated to the status of cathedral in 1948. Oban Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church The congregation of the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine first gathered in 1846. Construction work continued on the structure until 1910, when funds ran out.

Paisley Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Dedicated to the patron saint of Paisley, the Cathedral Church of Saint Mirin was completed in 1931. A former Roman Catholic parish church, it was raised to cathedral status in 1948. Neo-Romanesque in style, its architect was Thomas Baird. Perth Cathedral Scottish Episcopal Church The Cathedral Church of St Ninian was built on the site of an older Dominican monastery and was the first to be built in Britain since the Reformation, being consecrated in 1850. Designed by the London architect, William Butterfield, it was completed by 1914. Bangor Cathedral The Church in Wales Originally occupied by St. Deiniol's monastery, established around 525, Bangor Cathedral is located on a low-lying and inconspicuous site, possibly to avoid the attention of raiders from the sea. The earliest part of the present building dates from the episcopate of Bishop David 1120–1139. Today's structure is the result of extensive work carried out under the supervision of Sir George Gilbert Scott begun in 1868.

Brecon Cathedral The Church in Wales Previously the church of Brecon Priory founded in 1093, and later the 16th century Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, it became Brecon Cathedral in 1923. It is thought that the Norman Priory might have been built on the site of an older, possibly Celtic, church. Cardiff Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David was designed by the London firm of architects of Pugin & Pugin and constructed between 1884-87. Damaged by World War II bombing in 1941, it was restored and rebuilt during the 1950’s and re-opened in March 1959. Llandaff Cathedral The Church in Wales The Cathedral Church of SS Peter & Paul, Dyfrig, Teilo and Euddogwy, is one of two cathedrals in Cardiff, the other being the Catholic Cardiff Cathedral. The current building was constructed in the 12th century over the site of an earlier church. Newport Cathedral The Church in Wales Newport’s St.

Woolos Cathedral has sections that date from Anglo-Saxon times, together with a large 12th century Norman Nave enclosed within later mediaeval aisles. Restored whilst still a church in 1850, St. Woolos attained full cathedral status in 1949. St Asaph Cathedral The Church in Wales Saint Kentigern built his church on this site in 560. When he returned to Strathclyde in 573, he left Asa (or Asaph) as his successor. Since that time the Cathedral has been dedicated to Saint Asaph. Reputed to be the smallest Anglican cathedral in Great Britain, the present building dates mainly from the 13th century. St David's Cathedral The Church in Wales The monastic community was founded by Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant), Abbot of Menevia, during the 6th century. During the next 450 years the monastry was regularly plagued by sea-born raiders. In 1115, with the area now under Norman control, the life of the community began to improve and construction of a new Cathedral began.

The present Cathedral was started in 1181, and completed shortly afterwards. Swansea Cathedral Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint Joseph was designed by Peter Paul Pugin and took two years to build. Originally dedicated as a church the building opened in 1888, and was elevated to a cathedral status in 1987. Wrexham Cathedral Roman Catholic Church Originally built as a Roman Catholic Parish Church in 1857, the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was designed by Edward Welby Pugin, son of the famous Augustus. In true family tradition, it adopted a 14th century Gothic Style. Have we missed something? Although we've tried our hardest to list every cathedral in Britain, we're almost postitive that a few have slipped through our net... that's where you come in! If you've noticed a site that we've missed, please help us out by filling in the form below. If you include your name we'll be sure to credit you on the website. Name of Destination* Description Please tell us a little bit about the attraction, site or destination that we have missed.

(Not required) Related Articles History History – 1 January 2010 Posted in: History THE EARLY DAYS St. Ninian came from Whithorn in Galloway in the 5th century and dedicated a Christian burial ground at Cathures (later Glasgow) in the Kingdom of Strathclyde. To this spot in the following century came Kentigern, popularly called Mungo . He was born tradition says on the shore in Fife near Culross where the ruins of St. Mungo’s chapel are supposed to mark the spot. At Culross he was brought up by St. Serf and trained for the priesthood. Mungo left St. Serf and came to Carnock in Stirlingshire from where he accompanied the corpse of a holy man, Fergus, which was carried on a cart by two untamed oxen. They stopped at St. Ninian’s burial ground in Cathures where Fergus was buried. The Blacader Aisle may mark the site. Kentigern was chosen by the King, clergy and people to be their bishop, and he founded a monastic community and built a church where, reputedly, St. Columba came to visit him.

From here Kentigern travelled to Cumbria, to the Lake District, and as far as St. Asaph in North Wales. The date of his death is given as 13th January, 603. His tomb is in the Lower Church of the Cathedral where there is a service held every year to commemorate his life. PRE-REFORMATION There is little known about the church buildings which stood on the site of the present Cathedral until the early part of the 12th century. The first stone building was consecrated in about 1136 in the presence of King David I and his Court when John (1117-1147) was Bishop. Destroyed or severely damaged by fire, this cathedral was succeeded by a larger one consecrated in 1197, during the time of Bishop Jocelyn (1177-1199) to whom we owe the institution of the Glasgow Fair in July, which is still observed as an annual holiday. In the early 14th century, the Nave was extended and completed.

The south-west door and the entrance to the Blacader Aisle and the walls of the nave up to the level of the sills of the windows belong to this period. The next major rebuilding came later in the 13th century with William de Bondinton (1233-1258) who was responsible for adding the Quire and the Lower Church. The doorways of the sacristy (Upper Chapter House) and of the Lower Chapter House date from the mid-13th century, and the whole church may have been completed before the end of the 13th century. Most of the Nave above sill level probably dates from after 1330, and the West Window from the later 14th century. The Pulpitum and the Blacader Aisle were added in the fifteenth century. POST REFORMATION After the Reformation a wall was put across the nave to allow the western portion of the nave to be used for worship by a congregation which became know as the Outer High. This congregation worshiped in the nave from 1647 until 1835.

The Lower Church was used by another congregation, the Barony, from 1596-1801, until a new church was built just across from the Cathedral. When the Lower Church was no longer used for worship, soil was brought in to a depth of about five feet and it became the burial place for members of the Barony Congregation. The visible parts of the pillars were coloured black with white “tears”, the graves were enclosed by railings four feet high, with two narrow passages for access. The Lower Church was cleared before the middle of the 19th century. The congregation which used the Quire was for a time called the Inner High. The pulpit was placed between pillars of the south aisle and the King’s Seat was on the north aisle. In 1805 a major reconstruction saw the pulpit removed to the east end. Galleries were inserted between the pillars on three sides, and the King’s Seat was removed to the western gallery in front of the Pulpitum or Choir Screen. This brief history has been taken from “A Walk through Glasgow Cathedral” written by the previous Minister of the Cathedral, The Very Revd. Dr. W. J. Morris.

Question: In which British city is St Mungo's Cathedral ?
Answer: GLASGOW