Carlisle Cathedral

The Cathedral, founded in 1122 and battered by centuries of border warfare, was built for the glory of God, and services have been said and sung daily in it for nearly 900 years.

Items of special interest include the East Window, with its tracery containing some very fine 14th century stained glass and the Brougham Triptych, a magnificent 16th century carved Flemish altarpiece in St. Wilfrid's Chapel. There is an interesting 14th century barrel vaulted painted ceiling in the Choir and in the north and south aisles medieval paintings depict the Life of St. Cuthbert and St. Anthony and the figures of the 12 Apostles. The carved capitals of the columns in the Choir represent activities associated with the months of the year and the early 15th century choir stalls and misericords are notable examples of medieval carving. The Cathedral's stained glass dates from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

The Treasury contains a fine display of Cathedral and Diocesan silver and treasures, illustrating the story of Christians in Cumbria through the centuries.

Opposite the main entrance to the Cathedral is the Fratry, a monastic building dating from the 13th century, reconstructed in the late 15th century by Prior Thomas Gondibour. It now houses the Cathedral library, situated in the undercroft is the Prior's Kitchen Restaurant. In the range of buildings beyond the Fratry, which includes the Deanery, can be found the Prior's Tower, dating from the 13th century. Of special interest is a magnificent ceiling of 45 hand painted panels dating from 1510, which can be viewed by special arrangement.

Services

Weekdays: 7.40am Morning Prayer; 8.00am Holy Communion - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

12.30pm Eucharist - Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

5.30pm Evensong (sung each day except Saturdays and School holidays.

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