Chester Cathedral |
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The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary at Chester is a living symbol of continuous progress combined with constancy of purpose. For the worship and service of God have been offered on its site for over one thousand years; yet, over the centuries, no less than three different buildings have sheltered these primary tasks.
The story of Chester Cathedral can be traced back to the time of the Saxon Minster, which in 907 housed the remains of St Werburgh. During the period from 1092 to 1540 the Benedictine Abbey of St Werburgh flourished on the same ground.
The story continues with the foundation of a Cathedral for Chester Diocese by Henry VIII in 1541, and on to the present day. As a result, the current building contains materials belonging to every Christian century since the tenth.
Chester Cathedral is a remarkable building, both historically and architecturally - it is much more than just a repository of the past. It is a living church, encompassing many activities within its dynamic and diverse ministery.
Prayer and worship form the heart-beat of Chester Cathedral's life today, as they did in the Saxon, Norman and Medieval periods.
The Benedictine monks of Chester were committed to the so-called opus Dei, the work of God. This involved attendance at seven offices, each day, beginning with Matins just after midnight, running through to Compline in the evening.
Today the discipline of prayer continues, with regular daily services of Holy Communion, Matins and Evensong. In addition, many people find peace and solace by coming into the Cathedral; and by using one of the Chapels for private prayer and contemplation. Others find support by talking over their problems with resident clergy or one of the duty Chaplains.
The music department in Chester is very strong, and the excellence of the choir in the superb setting of this Cathedral makes Choral Evensong, in particular, incomparable. There is no choir school at Chester, so the choristers are drawn from a number of local schools.
Guided Tours for groups of over 10 visitors can be arranged on a number of different topics and can be arranged to suit particular interests or itineraries. Catering (coffee, lunches or afternoon teas)can be included as part of the visit. These tours must be prebooked by contacting the Visits Office on 01244 500958.
General Information:
- Audio tour for adults and children included in admission charge
- Guided tours available
- Dining in the 13th Century Refectory Cafe
- Cathedral Shop
Chester Cathedral is also a unique venue for group and corporate hospitality, charity receptions, candlelight tours, exclusive dinners in wonderful historic surroundings and much more.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
Open to visitors Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 1.00pm - 4.00pm.There are times when special services or events can prevent visitors from entering the Cathedral - if you are planning a special visit, please call ahead. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Adult £5.00; Senior Citizen/Student/Unwaged £4.00.Child Under 10yrs Free; Child 10 - 16yrs £2.50. Family - up to 3 children accompanied by a paying adult - Free.Groups of over 10 (must be prebooked) |
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Directions
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| Show map of Chester Cathedral... |
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Chester Cathedral Postcode for SatNav: CH1 2HU |
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Nearby Attractions
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Chester Racecourse
(< 1 Mile)*
Tudor Kings and Queens ruled England when horse racing began on The Roodee. There is no more historic racecourse in the land. |
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Cheshire Military Museum
(< 1 Mile)*
An interesting, innovative and attractive museum in a Grade I Listed Building on the very edge of the Castle in Chester. It is always developing new ideas to interpret the stories of the men of four famous regiments connected with Cheshire. |
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Chester Zoo
(2 Miles)*
Visit world famous Chester Zoo A wild day out for all! |
| more attractions in Chester and things to do in Chester ... |
| more things to do in Cheshire and days out in Cheshire... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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National Trust | Estate Agents |
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