Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough·Anglican·United Kingdom
Peterborough Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew, is a significant example of Norman and Early English Gothic architecture located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. Originally founded as an Anglo-Saxon minster and later a Benedictine abbey, it became a cathedral in 1542 and is notable for its remarkably intact medieval structure, particularly its unique West Front.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as the Anglo-Saxon minster of 'Medeshamstede' around 655 AD, it later became a Benedictine abbey in 966.
- ›The current Norman-style church was begun in 1118 after a fire destroyed the previous structure, with significant Gothic additions completed by 1237.
- ›Its imposing Early English Gothic West Front, featuring three large arches, is considered architecturally unprecedented.
- ›The cathedral houses one of only four surviving medieval painted wooden ceilings in Europe, dating from between 1230 and 1250.
- ›It served as a burial site for Catherine of Aragon and, temporarily, Mary, Queen of Scots.
- ›The building suffered extensive damage during the English CIVIL War but underwent significant restoration in the late 19th century.
Norman, Early English Gothic, Perpendicular Gothic
- Great West Front With Three Enormous Arches
- Medieval Painted Wooden Ceiling of the Nave
- Hedda Stone
- Statues of St Peter, St Paul, and St Andrew On the West Front
- Remains of Anglo-Saxon Foundations
- Carved Gateway In the South-West Corner of the Cloisters
7th Century, 10th Century, 12th Century, 13th Century, 15th Century
Abbot John De Sais, Robert Grosseteste, John Wastell
About Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew, stands as a monumental edifice in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. Its history stretches back to the Anglo-Saxon period, when it was founded as a minster named 'Medeshamstede' around 655 AD. It evolved into one of England's significant Benedictine abbeys before its transformation into a cathedral in 1542, becoming the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Peterborough.
Architectural Significance
The cathedral is predominantly characterized by its Norman architecture, stemming from a comprehensive rebuilding initiated in 1118 following a devastating fire. A defining feature is its imposing Early English Gothic West Front, completed in 1237, which is celebrated for its unique tripartite arrangement of enormous arches, a design considered to have no direct architectural precedent. Alongside the cathedrals of Durham and Ely, Peterborough Cathedral is recognized as one of England's most important and largely intact 12th-century buildings, preserving much of its pre-Reformation monastic character.
Historical and Cultural Importance
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Peterborough Cathedral holds significant historical and cultural weight. The nave boasts one of Europe's most exceptional surviving medieval painted wooden ceilings, dating from the 1230s to 1250s. Historically, it was a site of pilgrimage, housing numerous relics. In later centuries, it became a place of royal interment, notably for Catherine of Aragon, and temporarily for Mary, Queen of Scots. The cathedral has endured periods of destruction, including vandalism during the English Civil War, but has also undergone extensive restoration, most notably in the late 19th century and more recently in the early 21st century to address structural and environmental damage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Peterborough Cathedral founded?
The original church, known as 'Medeshamstede', was founded around 655 AD during the reign of King Peada of the Middle Angles. It was later re-established as a Benedictine Abbey in 966.
What is the architectural style of Peterborough Cathedral?
The cathedral's architecture is primarily Norman, with substantial additions and modifications in the Early English Gothic style, particularly evident in its West Front. The later Presbytery roof features Perpendicular fan vaulting.
What makes the West Front of Peterborough Cathedral unique?
The West Front is renowned for its imposing triple arches, which were without architectural precedent at the time of its construction in 1237. Its slightly asymmetrical appearance is due to one of the two towers behind it never being completed.
Are there any notable historical figures buried at Peterborough Cathedral?
Yes, Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England and first wife of Henry VIII, is buried here. Mary, Queen of Scots, was also temporarily interred at Peterborough Cathedral after her execution before being moved to Westminster Abbey.
What is the significance of the painted wooden ceiling?
The painted wooden ceiling of the nave, completed between 1230 and 1250, is unique in Britain and one of only four such surviving medieval ceilings in Europe. It retains the character and style of its original decoration.
Has the cathedral undergone significant restoration?
Yes, the cathedral has undergone several periods of restoration. Notable extensive work began in 1883 to address structural issues, and further repairs to the West Front were undertaken starting in 2006.
Related Cathedrals
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.
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is a significant Anglican cathedral located in Exeter, Devon, England. The present building, completed around 1400, is renowned for its architectural achievements, including the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world, and houses historical artifacts like the Exeter Book.
Birmingham Cathedral
The Birmingham Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Philip, is the principal Anglican cathedral in Birmingham, England. Originally built as a Baroque parish church designed by Thomas Archer and consecrated in 1715, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1905, becoming the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. It is recognized as a Grade I listed building and is a significant example of English Baroque architecture.