Peterborough Cathedral, located in the centre of the city, has been a site of Christian worship since 655AD, when the Abbey Church was founded.
The present church, built from 1118 to 1238 as a Benedictine Abbey, was made a Cathedral by Henry VIII.
His first queen, Katharine of Aragon, is buried there, as was Mary Queen of Scots for a while after her execution at Fotheringhay.
The Cathedral suffered at the hands of Oliver Cromwell, but many of its unique features remain.
Features to note are the huge arches of the West Front, the unique painted wooden ceiling (c1220) and the exquisite fan vaulting at the East end. A visitors' centre with restaurant and shop is now open. Book shop, wheelchair access, guided tours, touch and hearing facilities available .
See webcams showing the cathedral grounds -
peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.
See also:
ET photos of Peterborough Cathedral from flickr.com.
Information:Peterborough Cathedral, Little Prior's Gate, Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XS.
Telephone: 01733 343342.
Fax: 01733 355316.
Web:
www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.
Email:
info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.
Directions: Peterborough train station is on the London to Edinburgh East Coast Main Line. Situated just off the A1(M) motorway there is ample
car parking in the city centre.
Link directly to this page:
www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/cathedral.
Page last updated: 5 June, 2009.