Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Martin, is a Church of England cathedral in Leicester, England. Originally a medieval parish church, it was elevated to a collegiate church in 1922 and then a cathedral in 1927. It is famously known as the burial site of King Richard III, whose remains were reinterred there in 2015.
Key Facts
- ›The current building is predominantly a Victorian restoration, with its tower and 220-foot spire completed in 1862 and 1867 respectively by architect Raphael Brandon.
- ›A church dedicated to St Martin has existed on the site for approximately 900 years, with the first Norman church recorded in 1086.
- ›The remains of King Richard III, discovered nearby in 2012, were reburied in the cathedral on March 26, 2015.
- ›The cathedral houses the East Window, a World War I memorial depicting various saints and biblical scenes.
- ›It is a Grade II* listed building and a significant tourist attraction, drawing over one hundred thousand visitors annually, largely to see Richard III's tomb.
- ›Archaeological excavations on the cathedral grounds have uncovered Roman-era artifacts and a burial ground dating back to the late Anglo-Saxon period.
Gothic, Early English, Perpendicular
Tomb of King Richard Iii, Victorian Tower and Spire, East Window, Vaughan Porch, St George's Chapel
19th Century, 20th Century, 21st Century
Raphael Brandon, J. L. Pearson, Van Heyningen and Haward Architects
About Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Martin, is an active place of worship in Leicester, England, and the seat of the Bishop of Leicester. It holds significant historical and architectural importance, drawing over one hundred thousand visitors annually.
History and Significance
The site of the cathedral has been a place of worship for approximately 900 years, with records indicating a Norman church in 1086 replacing an earlier Anglo-Saxon structure. The present building is largely a product of Victorian restoration, most notably featuring a tower and a 220-foot spire designed by Raphael Brandon, completed in 1867. The architectural styles present include Gothic, Early English, and Perpendicular.
Leicester Cathedral gained prominence in the 21st century as the final resting place of King Richard III. His remains, discovered nearby in 2012 and confirmed through DNA analysis, were reinterred in the cathedral on March 26, 2015. This event has made the cathedral a site of historical interest for many, contributing to its substantial visitor numbers and cementing its status as a royal burial site.
Architectural Features and Chapels
The cathedral is a Grade II* listed building. Beyond the imposing Victorian tower and spire, notable features include the East Window, a memorial to those who died in World War I, and the Vaughan Porch, designed by J. L. Pearson and adorned with depictions of saintly figures. Internally, the cathedral houses several chapels, including St Katharine's, St Dunstan's, St George's (which commemorates the armed services), and the newer Chapel of Christ the King, created as part of the reordering for Richard III's burial. The screen separating the nave from the chancel, designed by Charles Nicholson, was moved to stand in front of Richard III's tomb.
Archaeological Discoveries
Recent archaeological work on the cathedral grounds has yielded significant finds. In 2022, excavations led by the University of Leicester uncovered a burial ground dating back to the late Anglo-Saxon period. In March 2023, a 1,800-year-old Roman-era stone altar was also discovered within the cathedral's grounds, highlighting the deep historical layers of the site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Leicester Cathedral established?
While a church dedicated to St Martin has been on the site for about 900 years, with the first Norman church recorded in 1086, Leicester Cathedral was officially established much later. It was elevated to a collegiate church in 1922 and made a cathedral in 1927 following the creation of the Diocese of Leicester in 1926.
Who is buried in Leicester Cathedral?
Leicester Cathedral is the final resting place of King Richard III. His remains were discovered nearby in 2012 and reinterred in the cathedral on March 26, 2015, after being confirmed through DNA testing.
What is the architectural style of Leicester Cathedral?
The extant building is predominantly Victorian, with much of its visible structure resulting from Victorian restoration projects. The tower and spire were built in the Early English style, though other work by the same architect, Raphael Brandon, was in the perpendicular style. The overall appearance is largely Gothic.
What are the notable features of Leicester Cathedral?
Key features include the tomb of King Richard III, the Victorian tower and 220-foot spire, and the East Window which serves as a World War I memorial. The cathedral also contains several chapels, including St George's Chapel commemorating the armed services, and the Vaughan Porch with its depictions of saintly figures.
How many people visit Leicester Cathedral each year?
Over one hundred thousand people visit Leicester Cathedral annually. The primary draw for visitors is the tomb of King Richard III.
Related Cathedrals
Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, originated as an abbey founded in 679. It is renowned for its significant architectural history, including the earliest surviving example of structural fan vaulting in its cloisters. The cathedral also holds the shrine of Edward II and has been a prominent filming location.
Bangor Cathedral
Bangor Cathedral, the cathedral church of Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, is dedicated to its founder, Saint Deiniol. The site has been a place of Christian worship since the sixth century, with the present building undergoing extensive reconstruction and restoration over centuries, notably in the 19th century under George Gilbert Scott. It holds significant historical and architectural importance within Wales.
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. Founded in 597 on the site of earlier Christian structures, it has undergone numerous rebuildings and extensions, most notably after fires and to accommodate pilgrims. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an active place of worship.