Come One, Come All
Andrea Cowan on how our Cathedrals have been attracting new visitors
OF the 42 English Anglican cathedrals, nine are medieval, 13 were added by Henry VIII and 20 were created during the 19th and 20th centuries. From the Middle Ages to the Reformation in the 1500s, cathedrals were symbols of the power enjoyed by the Church. Most were intentionally built as cathedrals, but some were parish churches raised to cathedral status after the Reformation. Ripon, for example, has a crypt dating from the mid-7th century but was only raised to cathedral status in 1836. The latest Church of England cathedral to be created is Guildford, in 1961.
The word “cathedral” comes from the Latin word meaning “seat”: as the largest and most important church of a diocese, the building will house the bishop’s seat or “cathedra”. Original medieval bishop thrones are still preserved. Canterbury Cathedral, the foremost cathedral in England’s church hierarchy, houses the marble Chair of St Augustine named after the first Archbishop of Canterbury; stone episcopal thrones can be seen at Wells and Durham and a timber throne at Exeter, complete with a striking 14th century, 50-foot dark oak canopy.
Some cathedrals house significant historical documents and objects, such as the largest known medieval map, the Mappa Mundi, which is on permanent display at Hereford. Two of the original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta are housed at Salisbury and Lincoln Cathedrals. Others are the final resting places of kings and queens and poets and pioneers.
The Association of English Cathedrals (AEC) is marking 2020 with the launch of a special project: Year of Cathedrals, Year of Pilgrimage. This nationwide celebration has been inspired by several anniversaries such
as the 800th anniversary of the consecration of the shrine of St Thomas Becket. The project can be seen as part of a wider trend of cathedrals embracing different uses beyond pastoral care. Some are flinging open their doors to host art exhibitions. Others are hosting prehistoric exhibits from the Natural History Museum.
It’s a delicate balance, encouraging visitors whilst not compromising the needs of the congregation. But, as a great draw for tourists, pilgrims and locals alike, cathedrals have substantial social and economic benefits. Research conducted in 2014 by Ecorys showed that visitors made a total spend of £125 million across local economies.
Once visitors are there, it seems cathedrals work their magic. An AEC poll shows that while only 10 per cent arrive intending to pray, nearly half find themselves lighting a candle or leaving a written prayer. Last year 240,000 people lit a candle in York Minster alone.
“The overwhelming comment in cathedral visitors books is: ‘I have found some peace here’. People talk incessantly of the spiritual experience they have had in cathedrals,” says the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, chair of AEC and Dean of Lichfield. Some secular visitors are even seen in tears, and surveys of the 10.5 million Britons a year who visit England’s cathedrals suggest such a reaction isn’t unusual. Events may be delayed or cancelled. Please check online for information.