Newcastle Cathedral is Grade I listed and dates from the early 14th century. For over 900 years it has been at the centre of the city’s spiritual and civic life as evidenced by its memorials and ledger stones (grave covers) which, together, reveal much of the heritage of Newcastle and the wider region.
The Cathedral boasts one of the finest lantern towers in the country, dominating the skyline since the 15th century. Pevsner describes it as “Four flying buttresses leaning against each other and holding up a tall square lantern, battlemented and pinnacled – a rare form of medieval crown in Britain”. The building retains substantial elements of medieval fabric as well as evidence of its development over a number of historical periods, with examples of work by prominent architects including Daniel Garrett, John and Benjamin Green, John Dobson, and George Gilbert Scott.
Internally the Cathedral contains one of the largest collections of monuments and ledger stones in northern England; it also boasts medieval heraldic bosses and a fine medieval font with a contemporary wooden cover with elaborate gothic tracery, and a stone effigy of an unknown medieval knight. The 19th century chancel embellishments showcase wood and stone working skills by Ralph Hedley, Robert Beall and J S Westmacott. The whole presents a beautifully integrated appearance, displaying superb artistry and craftsmanship executed in the medieval style.
What a wonderful architecture the tower has. A first to me. Wonderful series of pictures from the inside as well.
The building has had an amazing transformation since my previous visit.
It has been opened up in an amazing way.
Oh, I can totally imagine the allure of such a cathedral, Cherry. Indeed. Especially with the invitation to tell stories! I do wonder, however, about the clock on the tower that appears to be an after-thought!
Here is the story behind the current clock:
‘A violent wind storm blew out the clock face on 19th October 1862. It was replaced on November 15th. The present clock was installed in 1895. It was made by William Potts & Sons of Leeds. It has the largest clock movement in Newcastle and is protected by glass doors. William Potts still maintain the contract for winding, regulating, oiling and maintaining the clock. It used to require winding every day until an electric motor was fitted in 1960. The dial measures six feet six inches in diameter. The clock uses four bells of the peal of twelve for the chimes and the Major Bell to strike the hour (HER 6652). In 1988 a condition survey stated that the clock chambers required renovation {2}.’
https://twsitelines.info/SMR/12219
So glad I asked, Cherry!
What a magnificent place!
Oh I think I saw a black bunny above the pink front door?
Or is the bunny a hare?
Lovely photographs within your post.
I do like the stained glass windows.
All the best Jan
Thank you
your tour of Newcastle Cathedral is magnificent Cherie inside and out ….peter:)
I am glad you enjoyed the virtual tour