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Peterborough Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral
Attraction: Castles & Cathedrals
Admission Charge: Free
Age Range: Ages 11 to 18 years, Ages 5 to 11 years, Under 5's
Building: Little Prior's Gate
Street Name: Minister Precinct
Town: Peterborough
County: Cambridgeshire
Post Code: PE1 1XS
Telephone: 01733 343342
Email: info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
Website: http://www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
Facilities: Indoor Activities, Food & Drink, Toilets
Opening Times: 9am to 6.30pm (5pm on saturday); sunday 12pm to 5pm
Opening Days: Daily
Opening Periods: All Year
Description
Peterborough Cathedral is the final resting place for Henry VIII's Queen, Katherine of Aragon.  It has been the Bishop of Peterborough's seat since 1541.  Worship, supported by a long choral tradition, still takes place every day.

The West Front is unique in Christendom; built in the 13th century it holds the 3 figures of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew, to whom the Cathedral is dedicated.  The painted Nave ceiling (c.1220) is unique in England.  It is a most important example of this type of medieval art in Europe.

All the stained glass windows, the High Altar and medieval choir stalls and all the monuments and memorials were destroyed by Cromwell’s soldiers in 1643.  This has left the church with a light and uncluttered feel to it.

 

The Central tower, which had been restructured in the 14th century had to be re-built again in the 1880’s and after this the whole central and eastern area required refurbishment, creating the hand carved choir stalls, cathedra (bishops throne) and choir pulpit and the marble pavement and high altar which are at the centre of worship today.

Today Peterborough Cathedral still follows its centuries old pattern for daily worship, though the medieval monastic pattern of 8 services per day has been reduced to morning prayer, daily Eucharist and evensong on most days.  Peterborough Cathedral remains, however, a vibrant and developing community with outreach and education programmes, performances and civic events.

You are free to look around at any time.  Guided tours are available and children can purchase from the cathedral shop a book to help search around the cathedral for animals.



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