Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is a prominent Anglican cathedral situated in the city of Exeter, Devon, in South West England. The present structure, largely completed by approximately 1400, stands as a significant example of medieval ecclesiastical architecture and houses numerous historical treasures.

History and Foundation

The site of Exeter Cathedral has a long history, with evidence of Roman presence including a legionary fortress established between 50–75 AD. The formal establishment of the cathedral in Exeter dates to 1050, when the seat of the bishop was moved from Crediton due to the threat of sea-raids. Bishop Leofric utilized an existing Saxon minster as his seat. The impetus for building a new cathedral in the Norman style came with the appointment of William Warelwast in 1107, with its official foundation occurring in 1133. However, by the time Walter Bronescombe became bishop in 1258, the building was considered outdated. A subsequent rebuilding in the Decorated Gothic style, inspired by Salisbury Cathedral, commenced, integrating much of the Norman structure, including its distinctive square towers and parts of the walls, all constructed from local stone.

Architectural Significance

The architecture of Exeter Cathedral is characterized by a remarkable sense of harmony, particularly evident in the continuous run of tierceron vaults extending from the west to the east. Despite irregular bay sizes, the plan is based on a division into ninths. A notable aspect is the three-storey facade with a triforium, a design shift from the earlier two-storey approach. The cathedral features the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world, measuring about 96 meters. This architectural feat is partly due to the absence of a central tower.

Notable Features

Exeter Cathedral is distinguished by several significant interior and exterior features. The fifty misericords are the earliest complete set found in the United Kingdom, dating from the 13th century and depicting various scenes, including the earliest known wooden representation of an elephant in the UK. The Minstrels' Gallery, dating to around 1360, is unique among English cathedrals, adorned with 12 carved and painted angels playing medieval instruments. The Astronomical Clock is another remarkable feature, with its main dial dating from 1484, displaying the hour, the sun's position, and the moon's phase. The cathedral also houses the Exeter Book, a precious manuscript of Anglo-Saxon poetry, and its library holds a significant collection of Anglo-Saxon charters.

Resilience Through Time

Throughout its history, Exeter Cathedral has faced challenges. It experienced damage during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and further destruction during the Civil War, when the cloisters were demolished. In more recent times, it sustained damage during the "Baedeker Blitz" of World War II, with a high-explosive bomb hitting the chapel of St James. Despite these events, the cathedral has undergone reconstruction and restoration, preserving its historical and architectural integrity for continued worship and public admiration.