Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral
Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary
East end of the cathedral
Chester Cathedral is located in Chester city centre
Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral
Location in Chester
53°11′31″N 2°53′26″W / 53.19189°N 2.89046°W / 53.19189; -2.89046
LocationSt Werburgh Street, Chester, Cheshire
CountryEngland
DenominationChurch of England
Previous denominationRoman Catholic
Websitechestercathedral.com
History
DedicationChrist and the Blessed Virgin Mary
Architecture
Architect(s)Richard Lenginour (1272–1314);[1] Nicholas de Derneford (?)(1316–31);[1]
William Rediche(?) (1461–90s);[1] Seth and George Derwall (1495–1530s);[1]
Thomas Harrison,
George Gilbert Scott
StyleRomanesque, Gothic
Specifications
Length355 feet (108 m)[2]
Nave width75 feet (23 m)
Nave height78 feet (24 m)
Tower height127 feet (39 m)
Administration
ProvinceYork
DioceseChester
Clergy
Bishop(s)Mark Tanner
DeanTim Stratford
Canon(s)Rosie Woodall (Vice Dean and Canon for Spirituality and Worship)
Anthony Lees-Smith (Canon Missioner)
Richard Walker (Canon Diocesan)
Laity
Director of musicPhilip Rushforth (Organist and Master of the Choristers)
Dan Mathieson (Head of Music Outreach and Assistant Organist)
Alex Lanigan-Palotai (Sub Organist)

Chester Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral and the mother church of the Diocese of Chester. It is located in the city of Chester, Cheshire, England. The cathedral, formerly the abbey church of a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Werburgh, is dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since 1541, it has been the seat of the Bishop of Chester.

The cathedral is a Grade I listed building, and part of a heritage site that also includes the former monastic buildings to the north, which are also listed Grade I. The cathedral's construction dates from between the 10th century[3] and the early 16th century, having been modified a number of times throughout history, a typical characteristic of English cathedrals; however, the site itself may have been used for Christian worship since Roman times. All the major styles of English medieval architecture, from Norman to Perpendicular, are represented in the present building.[1][4]

The cathedral and former monastic buildings were extensively restored during the 19th century (amidst some controversy), and a free standing bell tower was added in the 20th century. In addition to holding services for Christian worship, the buildings are a major tourist attraction in Chester and the cathedral is used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions.

  1. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference JH was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ All dimensions taken from Hiatt 1898, p. 115.
  3. ^ Chester Tourist". Chester Tourist.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2008
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference images was invoked but never defined (see the help page).