Chester Cathedral: Timeless Grandeur & Visitor's Guide
2024-05-12
When you are exploring North West England, you will discover lots of natural beauty and architectural marvels. In Chester, you will see buildings and museums that will leave any human being in awe and admiration. Located at the heart of Chester, the Chester Cathedral is the perfect architectural beauty. Read on to learn all there is to know about Chester Cathedral.
Long History
Chester Cathedral boasts a rich history that dates back over a millennium. The cathedral was built over an old Roman fortress. After the eighth century, it served as a church dedicated to various saints.
In 1092, it became a Benedictine monastery, and as an abbey, it saw major upheavals and events that characterised Chester’s tumultuous mediaeval history.
The current building of the cathedral is the result of a campaign that started in the 1200s and was finished in 1540. It was the time when King Henry VIII announced the dissolution of old monasteries, and the old abbey became a cathedral of the Church of England.
After this, the cathedral became an educational establishment. It later saw a civil war across England, survived a mob attack, and went through further restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1955, the cathedral and its adjacent buildings were grade listed and thus gained significant status.
Magnificent Architecture
The architecture of Chester Cathedral is a stunning fusion of mediaeval craftsmanship and Gothic grandeur. Its sandstone exterior is full of architectural details. The dominant look on the facade is an eight-light window above a recessed doorway.
Some of the remnants of Norman architecture still remain on the building. For instance, the north-west tower, which is of Norman design, is just like the lower part of the north wall.
The chapter house, built in the 13th century, is a gothic construction. The choir and five bays are also known to be decorated gothic style. The lady chapel, just like the refectory, is in early gothic style, and it is the only part of the cathedral made of stone.
The buildings have gone through various restoration projects in an attempt to preserve their old look and style. The most significant restoration that occurred was done in the Victorian era by the Gothic Revival architect, George Gilbert Scott. Many of the current appearances and looks of the place owe their beauty to his work, although it is not without its critics.
Amazing Collections
Within the hallowed halls of Chester Cathedral lie treasures of both historical and artistic significance. For those planning a visit to Chester Cathedral, there are endless opportunities to explore, learn, and discover.
The Nave of the cathedral contains monuments that were dedicated to several well-known deans and bishops, such as Nicholas Stratford and George Hall.
The Quire contains some of the oldest objects of the museum, which are a lectern in the shape of a wooden eagle, and choir stalls that date back to the 14th century.
At the Lady Chapel, you will also get a chance to see the stone shrine, a 14th century construction. Here, you will also see some old statuettes, stained glass windows, a sedilia, and a piscina.
Chester Cathedral’s library contains around 5000 volumes of works related to Chester history, the local area, and its people. One of the most precious pieces is Polychronicon, a precious work created by a monk of St. Werburgh's Abbey, that was dedicated to the cathedral in 1925.
Religious Services
Chester Cathedral is not only a place of architectural splendour but also a vibrant centre of spiritual life and worship. The church has standard praying hours that you can choose if you want to observe prayers. Sunday mornings are the time for the Holy Communion and Eucharist. Morning prayers also happen from Monday to Saturday.
Visiting Chester Cathedral
Located on St. Werburgh Street, Chester Cathedral welcomes visitors throughout the week during its standard opening times. The place is open all days of the week, from morning until afternoon. For the majority of the year, admission to the cathedral is free, allowing guests to explore its grandeur without any cost. With cathedral discovery tours, you may be able to get the most out of your visit.
For those coming by train, there are taxi ranks and bus stops near Chester Station, which will take them to the cathedral. There are also several car parks that are good for those using cars.
While visiting the glory and beauty of the cathedral, you might as well check out Cafe 1092 in the monks’ dining hall. Most of the designs and objects on the wall in the dining hall are pretty old, dating back to the 14th and 17th centuries. This creates an amazing atmosphere where you can enjoy a lovely meal.
There is also a gift shop on the Cathedral premises where you can purchase homeware items, books, and collections of gifts and souvenirs.
A Stay at Northop Hall Hotel
From Chester Cathedral to the Northop Hall Hotel, it is a 30 minute drive. If you were in need of accommodation after a visit to Chester, you may as well imagine a stay at the hotel. At Northop Hall Hotel, rooms range from standard single rooms to four-poster bedrooms and superior rooms, catering to all preferences and needs.
