The most Remarkable English Cathedrals

The most Remarkable English Cathedrals

Salisbury

• “Cathedral of Saint Mary”

• Located: west from London

• Style: leading example of Early English (gothic) architecture

• Famous for

  • the tallest church spire in UK

  • the largest cloister and the largest cathedral close in UK

  • Has 1 of the 4 original copies of Magna Carta

Canterbury

• Located: East from London (Kent)

• Style: gothic (rebuild after big fire, 12th century)

• Famous for:

  • Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury

  • Thomas Beckett was murdered there

  • The crypt, contains famous tombs (Henry IV, Black Prince…), vaulted ceilings

  • Marble chair, that’s been used to enthrone new archbishops

Exeter

• Located: Devon

• Style: Decorated gothic

• Famous for:

  • Seat of the bishop of Exeter

  • Beautiful rib-vaulted ceiling, finely carved choir, huge bishop’s throne

  • Unusual astrological clock

York

• Located: Northern England

• Style: Gothic

• Famous for:

  • One of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe

  • Seat of the archbishop of York

  • York “Minster” = a missionary church est. in the Anglo-Saxon period

  • The fine stained glass from Middle Ages

Coventry

• “St. Michael’s Cathedral”

• Located: Northwest from London

• Style: 20th century architecture + ruins of the gothic

• Famous for:

  • Seat of the bishop of Exeter

  • The modern cathedral was built after the two previous ones were destroyed/bombed

  • Has a strong emphasis on Bible – a centre for good preaching