Lancaster Cathedral

Lancaster Cathedral, also known as Saint Peter's Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Lancaster, England. It towers above its superb location overlooking Lancaster and Lancaster Canal. The cathedral supports the catch line "Our Goal is the Kingdom of God".

History

In 1856, several sums of money became available for the building of a church including £2000, which was left to the church by a Thomas Coulston in his will. A year later, plans were drawn up under the guidance of the Rev. Richard Brown. On April 29, 1857, the foundation stone of the church was laid by Dr. Goss, the Bishop of Liverpool and on October 4, 1859, the church was consecrated and dedicated to Saint Peter, prince of the Apostles, in a service lead by Dr. Goss.

Raised to cathedral status for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster in 1924. This fine neo-gothic building was designed by Edward Paley of Lancaster. In 1909, for the Golden Jubilee a new baptistry was added on the side of the cathedral and the high altar was greatly elaborated by Giles Gilbert Scott, who added a fine triptych above the altar. The cathedral was extensively restored, redecorated and reordered in 1995, and the new altar consecrated on the anniversary of the first consecration.

Main features

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the east end of the cathedral, with a high altar and triptych by Giles Gilbert Scott, surrounded by extensive fresco work of saints and angels.

The new sanctuary, altar, throne and Ambo by Frank Roberts, divided from the chancel by an elaborate screen.

Stained glass windows of the life of Saint Peter, by Hardman of Birmingham, in the North Aisle.

The Baptistry, with a notable groined roof, Connemara marble font and stained glass windows by Shrigley and Hunt of Lancaster.

The tower, 240 feet tall, contains a peal of ten bells. Eight were cast by John Warner & Sons, Cripplegate in 1879, and two more added in 1949 by Mears & Stainbank, Whitechapel. The heaviest weighs 19cwt and 21lbs.

External links

* http://www.lancastercathedral.org.uk/