Churches originated in Europe and are a culmination of art. They are solemn, holy, and traditionally free from worldly intrusion.
This blog will take you through the top 5 high-value Cathedrals in the UK with all their “nobility and elegance” or “grace and splendour”.
Set the Scene: Surrounded by Amazing Beauty
UK Churches have the most stunning views. Attracting and blessing people’s faith with their unique charm. Each church carries romance and sanctity.
Inside Top 5 Great UK Cathedrals
St Paul’s Cathedral, located in London, England, represents Baroque architecture. It is the fifth largest cathedral in the world, the first cathedral in the United Kingdom and the second largest domed church in the world after the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy.
St Paul’s Cathedral was first erected in 604 and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. In the late 17th century, Sir Christopher Wren, the famous English designer and architect, completed the design of London’s greatest church in 35 years. There is also a tombstone in the church with the inscription, “If you seek his monument, just look around“.
GET TO KNOW: Overall Architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral#
The main building of the cathedral consists of two two-storey cross-shaped buildings 150 metres long and 39 metres wide. In the middle of the cross-shaped buildings, a 111.4 metre-high vaulted dome building is arched, and underneath the dome, above the cross-shaped buildings, is a two-storey circular building. The ground floor is surrounded by a circle of stone pillars outside the aisles, and the top floor has a circle of stone fences surrounded by a balcony, where people can stand and enjoy the view of the city of London. The church is covered by a huge dome, about 111 metres high, 74 metres wide, 157 metres deep and 34 metres in diameter, and the top of the tower is an excellent place to look out over the city of London.
GET TO KNOW: Interior of St Paul’s Cathedral#
Stained glass is inlaid in the windows, which creates colourful light and shadow when the sunlight pours into the church through the glass. The most famous fresco in the church is the “Way of the Cross” by Antonio Gallardini. This fresco depicts the whole process of Jesus, from birth to crucifixion to resurrection. Most of the sculptures inside the church feature religious figures, including Jesus, the Virgin Mary, angels and saints.
The interior of St Paul’s Cathedral is also famous for its Whispering Gallery, where even the slightest whisper can be echoed around the dome. Visitors can experience this wonderful acoustic phenomenon here. The library of St Paul’s Cathedral houses the works of reformers such as Martin Luther and Calvin, as well as the writings of early church leaders.
Inside St Paul’s Cathedral is a 17-tonne copper bell, the largest in England. Church staff ring the bell for five minutes at 1 am every day, and its sound is so loud and melodic that it can be heard all over London.
2. York Minster
York Minster is the largest surviving medieval-period church in Europe. It is located in York, England, and is the largest Gothic church in England and throughout Europe north of the Alps. Built in 627 AD, the church is magnificent and beautifully crafted, constructed mainly in stone.
GETTING INSIDE: York Minster#
In the church’s main hall, you will see exquisite wood carvings and iron decorations with an artistic touch. The choir seats and the abbot’s quarters are also designed uniquely. The Cathedral also houses the Guillotine, a rare instrument made in the 17th century that is still played today. Every time the music plays, it seems to tell an ancient story.
The east front of the church features an expanse of stained glass almost the size of a tennis court, comprising more than 100 motifs that reveal the excellent craftsmanship of staining, cutting and combining medieval glass. In addition, the church is lit by several rose windows divided by multi-leaf panes and an odd number of clerestory windows, including the largest medieval stained glass window in the British Isles.
SOMETHING You May Not Know#
York Cathedral is also the filming location of Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter film series. The central hall inside the church, designed by the central axis symmetry method, is even a perfect match with the scene in the film, presenting the audience with a Hogwarts world full of magic and fantasy. Here, you can feel the mystery and fantasy of the magical world as if you were in the film scenes.
3. Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is one of the most famous medieval churches in England. Built in 1093, it is one of the earliest Gothic buildings in the country. It is situated on a rocky terrace in the Durham centre and is today one of its most famous landmarks.
MOVING INSIDE: Durham Cathedral#
The nave of Durham Cathedral is amazingly long, one of the longest in Britain. The cathedral also contains a Light Infantry Chapel, which was a place of prayer for soldiers who kept the peace.
Durham Cathedral holds many documents, books and manuscripts from the medieval period, the most famous of which is the Durham Gospels. This gospel is one of the most famous manuscripts of the medieval period and is regarded as one of the treasures of European culture.
THOSE You’ll Focus on#
What you might be most excited about is that attractions also surround Durham Cathedral. Gateshead, a short distance north of Durham, is home to a landmark sculpture, the Angel of the North, cast in steel and looking out into the distance, meant to honour the coal miners who have struggled here for over 300 years. The River Wear flows peacefully and is where Durham University students practice canoeing.
IMMERSE Yourself in Harry Potter Setting#
Specifically, in the first six Harry Potter stories, some classic scenes in the magical-emitting college were filmed in Durham Cathedral. For example, in The Sorcerer’s Stone, the scene in which Harry walks into the snowy castle courtyard and releases Hedwig the owl is filmed in the Cathedral’s vast square atrium. It was also the setting for the scene in Chamber of Secrets, where the Gryffindor and Slytherin Quidditch teams compete for a training ground.
Durham Cathedral is one of the top ten churches in the UK, and its magnificent Norman architecture adds a solid historical and cultural atmosphere to the film scenes. For fans of Harry Potter, the Cathedral is undoubtedly a holy place worth visiting to get a closer look at the wizarding world of the film.
4. Lincoln Cathedral
Construction of Lincoln Cathedral began in 1072. It was designed and organised by Remigius, then the first Bishop of Lincoln, and took nearly 20 years to complete on 9 May 1092, when the cathedral was finally completed.
Standing at 524 feet (about 160 metres), Lincoln Cathedral is one of the largest churches in England. The cathedral’s interior is beautifully decorated, with arcades, walls and naves full of artistic flavour. In addition, Lincoln Cathedral holds one of the four original versions of the Magna Carta. This precious document witnessed an essential moment in the development of the British feudal system.
Today, Lincoln Cathedral remains one of the city’s major attractions, drawing visitors worldwide.
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5. Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral is a famous English Catholic church and a unique early Gothic building from the Middle Ages. It was built in 1220 and took 38 years to complete until 1258. The cathedral covers an area of 80 acres, and its spire, at 123 metres (404 ft), is the tallest church in England.
GAZING INSIDE: Salisbury Cathedral#
The nave of the cathedral is one of its main features. The wall pillars are carved from dark stone, and the use of colour-spaced bands emphasises the façade’s horizontality. The steep curves of the chancel vaults and the fact that the ribs rise all the way up from the level of the triple arcade so that the high side windows appear to be hidden between the various vaults demonstrate the cathedral’s unique architectural style.
The church contains one of the four original manuscripts of the Magna Carta and the oldest mechanical tower clock in Europe.
Salisbury Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for many generations and is one of the major tourist attractions in Britain. In addition to the cathedral, the world-famous Stonehenge is also in Salisbury.
Quick Decode of Other Cathedrals in the UK
A. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Cathedral was a Catholic Benedictine church until the King of England created the Anglican Church in 1540. After 1540, it was converted to an Anglican church and has remained that way ever since. In 1987, Westminster Abbey the Palace of Westminster and St Margaret’s Church were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
B. Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral’s interior is a testament to exceptional Gothic Revival architecture. Its vast, awe-inspiring space, filled with intricate detail, including the stunning Great West Window and the beautifully crafted Lady Chapel, creates an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur. The blend of traditional craftsmanship with Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s visionary design makes it a place like no other.
C. Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Cathedral, located in the pedestrianised area of Coventry city centre in the West Midlands, England, is one of Coventry’s most famous landmarks. Built around 1300, the church has a brick-red exterior, and the overall architectural style is grand, tall and beautiful.
Unfortunately, during the Blitz, Coventry Cathedral was destroyed by Nazi air raids, leaving only the façade and Gothic tops remaining, the remains of which have become a permanent reminder of Coventry’s darker times. However, in times of peace, a new church has been built next to the walls of the old one, showing a dialogue between the old and the new, inscribing history together.
Directly in front of the church is Coventry University, and visitors can also take a stroll through the university after visiting the cathedral to soak up the academic atmosphere.
FAQs of UK Cathedrals
Q1: What is the oldest cathedral in the UK?
The esteemed title of the oldest cathedral in the UK is often bestowed upon St Albans Cathedral. Nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, this architectural marvel dates back to the start of the 11th century, though its roots trace even deeper into history to a church founded on the site in AD 793.
Q2: Can anyone visit UK cathedrals, or are there entry restrictions?
UK cathedrals warmly open their doors to all, irrespective of faith or belief. They tow testaments to architectural grandeur and spiritual solace, inviting visitors to explore their history, art, and ambience. While entry is generally free, some cathedrals may request donations or charge a fee for specific tours or exhibitions. Always a good idea to check ahead for any particular entry details or events that might affect accessibility on the day of your visit.
Q3: How can I explore the architectural diversity of UK cathedrals?
The architectural diversity of UK cathedrals can be best explored by visiting a variety of them, each representing different architectural styles from Norman and Gothic to Baroque and modern. Start with the Norman magnificence of Durham Cathedral, move to the Gothic splendour of York Minster, and then experience the Baroque beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Many cathedrals offer guided tours highlighting the architectural features, artworks, tombs, and historical artefacts they house.
