Carlisle Cathedral

Last updated

Carlisle Cathedral
Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in Carlisle
Carlisle Cathedral Exterior, Cumbria, UK - Diliff.jpg
West side of the cathedral
Carlisle Cathedral
54°53′41″N2°56′19″W / 54.89472°N 2.93861°W / 54.89472; -2.93861
LocationCarlisle, Cumbria
CountryEngland
Denomination Church of England
Previous denomination Roman Catholic
Tradition High church
Website carlislecathedral.org.uk
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade I [1]
Designated1 June 1949
Style Norman, Gothic
Administration
Province Province of York
Diocese Carlisle (formed 1133)
Clergy
Bishop(s) vacant
Dean Jonathan Brewster
Canon(s) Benjamin Carter (Warden)
1 vacancy (Diocesan Canon)
Canon Missioner Michael Manley
Laity
Organist(s) Mark Duthie

Carlisle Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in Carlisle, [2] is a Grade I listed Anglican cathedral in the city of Carlisle, Cumbria, England. It was founded as an Augustinian priory and became a cathedral in 1133. It is also the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle. [3]

Contents

Carlisle is the second smallest of England's ancient cathedrals. Its notable features include figurative stone carving, a set of medieval choir stalls and the largest window in the Flowing Decorated Gothic style in England. [4]

History

Location map United Kingdom Carlisle Central.png
Red pog.svg
Carlisle Cathedral Priory
Red pog.svg
Dominican Friary
Red pog.svg
Franciscan Friary
class=notpageimage|
Locations of former monastic houses in Carlisle

Carlisle Cathedral was begun in 1122, during the reign of King Henry I, as a community of Canons Regular following the reform of the Abbey of Arrouaise in France, which followed a strict form of the canonical life, influenced by the ascetic practices of the Cistercians. Many large churches of Augustinian foundation were built in England during this period as the Archbishop of Canterbury, William de Corbeil, was a member of this order, but Carlisle is one of only four Augustinian churches in England to become a cathedral, most monastic cathedrals being Benedictine. The church was begun by Athelwold, an Englishman, who became the first prior. In 1133, the church was raised to the status of cathedral and Athelwold became the first Bishop of Carlisle (1133–55). In 1233, the cathedral priory community were joined by two friaries in the city. A Dominican friary and a Franciscan friary were founded close to the cathedral. [5] The building was refurbished in the 13th and 14th centuries, receiving impetus from the presence of the court of Edward I in 1307.

Cathedral Church of St. Mary at Carlisle, 1783 Jacobite broadside - Cathedral Church of St. Mary at Carlisle..jpg
Cathedral Church of St. Mary at Carlisle, 1783

In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the monastic buildings were renewed. [3] [6] With the Dissolution of the Monasteries from 1536, and the establishment by Henry VIII of the Church of England as the country's official church, the Dominican and Franciscan friaries were dissolved and Carlisle cathedral was run by a secular chapter like the cathedrals at Lincoln and York, which practice has continued to this day. [7] During the time of the English Civil War, a portion of the nave of the cathedral was demolished by the Scottish Presbyterian Army in order to use the stone to reinforce Carlisle Castle. Between 1853 and 1870 Carlisle Cathedral was restored by Ewan Christian. In the early 19th century, the cathedral became the subject for a geometric analysis by Robert William Billings. [8]

Architecture

Carlisle Cathedral Choir, Cumbria, UK - Diliff.jpg
The view from the 14th-century choir looking towards the east window – one of the finest examples of Flowing Decorated tracery
Carlisle Cathedral Nave and Choir, Cumbria, UK - Diliff.jpg
The view from the altar looking west towards the choir and organ

Carlisle Cathedral was commenced in 1123 as a monastic church, possibly on the foundations of an earlier church, in the Norman architectural style with solid masonry, large round piers, round arches and smallish round headed windows. These features may still be seen in the south transept and the remaining two bays of the nave, which are now used as the Chapel of the Border Regiment. [3] The stone is the local red sandstone, which has discoloured almost to black on parts of the exterior. The building has also suffered from subsidence which is evidenced by the piers, which lean at different angles.

In the 13th century, the choir of the cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style, wider than the original and on a different axis. However, the new work was severely damaged in a fire in 1292, and the work was recommenced. By 1322 the arcades and the easternmost bay were complete, with the elaborate tracery and glass of the east window being in place by about 1350. The upper stages of the walls were finished, probably by the architect John Lewen who died in about 1398. [7] The Gothic arcade has richly moulded arches with dog-tooth decoration, and the twelve capitals are carved with vegetation along with small lively figures representing the labours of the months. [9]

The choir is roofed by a fine wooden barrel ceiling dating from the 14th century. In 1856 this was restored and repainted to a new design by Owen Jones. [3] It is thought the eastern bays of the cathedral never received a stone vault because at some point the central spire blew down, and funds were required to rebuild the damaged tower and north transept, completed in about 1420. [4]

The tracery and stained glass of the East Window Carlisle Cathedral Tracery, Cumbria, UK - Diliff.jpg
The tracery and stained glass of the East Window

The most significant architectural feature of Carlisle Cathedral is its East Window. The tracery of this window is in the most complex of English Gothic styles, Flowing Decorated Gothic. It is the largest and most complex such window in England, being 51 feet high and 26 feet wide. It has nine lights, and tracery, which, it has been calculated, was drafted from 263 points. [10] The tracery of the window still contains much of its original medieval glass, though that in the main lights is Victorian. [4] [7]

Carlisle Cathedral has a fine set of 46 carved wooden choir stalls with misericords, which were installed in the early 15th century. [3] [4] Misericords are hinged seats, "constructed to keep the monks from falling asleep while at prayers", [11] and carved with numerous figures and creatures. Despite their purpose, the "pillars supporting the canopies bear traces of having been burnt, by weary monks who dropped off to sleep in the midst of their interminable devotions while holding a lighted candle in their hands." [12] The misericords were made out of black oak, and their backs carved with scenes of the legends of St. Anthony the Hermit, St. Cuthbert, St. Augustine, and the twelve apostles, as well as mythical themes. The misericords of Carlisle include typical iconography of "half-length angels, beasts deriving from the Bestiary, hybrid creatures, and narrative scenes, including the inverted world theme of the Woman beating a Man that no decent set of misericords could be without."

The delicate gilt canopy over the high altar is a modern work designed by Sir Charles Nicholson. [3] [4]

In common with other monasteries, the medieval monks' accommodation stood around a cloister to the south of the church. To the east of the cloister were the dormitory and octagonal chapter house. These are now ruined, with the chapter house's tiled floor surviving below ground. To the south stands the refectory or dining hall, now called the Fratry. It was rebuilt in c.1500. [7] The £3.4 million Fratry Project [13] commenced in 2019 to add a new extension designed by architects Feilden Fowles. The western range of the cloister, which would have held the stores, has vanished entirely. The claustral complex as a whole seems to have suffered greatly in the Civil War, when, like the nave, it was demolished for stone.

Beyond the cloister, the cathedral stands within a close, formerly the priory's courtyard. This is entered through the Gatehouse of 1527. [7] The deanery incorporates a 15th-century pele tower, called The Prior's Tower, containing a fine contemporary painted ceiling. To the south-east, above the West Walls, the late 15th century tithe barn survives, now in use as an events venue by St Cuthbert's Church.

Dimensions:
Total length239 ft73m
Total width141 ft43 m
Internal height72 ft22 m
Height of tower110 ft33.5 m

Historic listing designations

The cathedral is a Grade I listed building, the highest grade. [14] The other Grade I listed buildings within the cathedral precincts are fragments of the abbey and priory which originally stood on the site including: the abbey gate and gatehouse; [15] the Prior's Tower and the deanery; [16] the fratry, [17] and the ruins of a dormitory. [18] Buildings listed at the next highest grade, II*, include: the registry; [19] and No.s 2, 3 and 6, The Abbey. [20] [21] Buildings listed at Grade II include: the remains of a wall of the priory; [22] gates and railings at the cathedral's eastern end; [23] and No.s 1 and 4, The Abbey. [24] [25]

Dean and chapter

As of 3 October 2022: [26]

Music

Organ

The earliest documented organ at Carlisle Cathedral is one mentioned in an inventory of 1571. The present organ was built by Henry Willis in 1856 and was innovative for its date. It was enlarged in 1875 to include the 32-foot pipes. In 1906 it was further extended by Harrison & Harrison. In 1930, the organ was moved to its present position by an unknown builder. In 1962, J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd rebuilt the organ to give it a more classical sound. In 1997, a rebuilding by David Wells sought to restore the organ to its original Victorian tone. At this time a number of new stops were added. [30] [31] The organ has 4 manuals, 72 stops: Pedal 18 stops, Positive 14 stops, Great 13 stops, Swell 14 stops, Solo 13 stops.

Organists

The earliest recorded appointment of an organist at Carlisle Cathedral is of Thomas Southick in 1650. Notable organists have included the composer, astronomer and mathematician Thomas Greatorex and founder of the Royal School of Church Music, Sir Sydney Nicholson. The present organist is Edward Taylor. [32]

Choirs

Carlisle Cathedral Choir

The Carlisle Cathedral Choir dates from the foundation of the cathedral in 1133, when four laymen and six boy choristers assisted the canons with music.

In 1545, the Cathedral Statutes provided for four lay clerks and six choristers, who were to be "boys of tender age with sonorous voices and apt at chanting".

The present Cathedral Choir consists of 16 choristers and 6 lay clerks. The choristers were originally educated at the cathedral's Choir School but this was closed in 1935, and the boys are instead drawn from local schools. There is now also a choir of 16 girl choristers, who alternate with the boys in singing three services a week, with Evensong sung daily except Saturday, and Choral Eucharist at 10.30am on Sundays. The boys and girls are aged from 8–13 years and are recruited from local schools. They are selected at voice trials held during the year and receive a thorough musical training. They are awarded an annual bursary and pocket money. [6]

Carlisle Cathedral Consort

Ceiling boss in the chancel roof Ceiling boss over the centre of the nave in Carlisle Cathedral.jpg
Ceiling boss in the chancel roof

The cathedral also has a choir for boys and girls aged 13–18 years who sing services in the cathedral once a week during term time. [6] They are conducted by Edward Taylor, the Assistant Organist. The choir last went on tour, to Brittany, in October 2010.

Carlisle Cathedral Carliol Choir

The Voluntary Choir, consisting of mixed voices, was formed to sing occasional services in the absence of the Cathedral and Youth Choirs. [6]

Carlisle Cathedral Music Appeal

In 1999 the Carlisle Cathedral Music Appeal was launched with a target of £750,000 to establish a choral foundation to enable annual bursaries and free instrumental lessons to be provided for the choristers, and scholarships and vocal tuition for the choral scholars. [6]

Burials

Tomb of Bishop Samuel Waldegrave Samuel Waldegrave's tomb.jpg
Tomb of Bishop Samuel Waldegrave

A memorial by Sir Robert Lorimer to the Border Regiment dates from 1916. [33]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salisbury Cathedral</span> Church in Wiltshire, England

Salisbury Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in the city of Salisbury, England. The cathedral is considered the beau idéal of Early English Gothic design. Built over a relatively short period, some 38 years between 1220 and 1258, it has a unity and coherence that is unusual in medieval English cathedrals. The tower and spire were completed by 1330 and at 404 feet (123 m) is the tallest church spire in England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canterbury Cathedral</span> Church in Kent, England

Canterbury Cathedral is the cathedral of the archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Located in Canterbury, Kent, it is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site. Its formal title is the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ, Canterbury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Worcester Cathedral</span> Church of England cathedral in Worcester, Worcestershire, England

Worcester Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin, is a Church of England cathedral in Worcester, England. The cathedral is the seat of the bishop of Worcester and is the mother church of the diocese of Worcester; it is administered by its dean and chapter. The cathedral is a grade I listed building and part of a scheduled monument.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cartmel Priory</span> Parish church in Cumbria, England

Cartmel Priory church serves as the parish church of Cartmel, Cumbria, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gloucester Cathedral</span> Church in Gloucester, England

Gloucester Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity and formerly St Peter's Abbey, in Gloucester, England, stands in the north of the city near the River Severn. It originated with the establishment of a minster, Gloucester Abbey, dedicated to Saint Peter and founded by Osric, King of the Hwicce, in around 679.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Durham Cathedral</span> Church in Durham, County Durham, England

Durham Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, is a Church of England cathedral in the city of Durham, England. The cathedral is the seat of the bishop of Durham and is the mother church of the diocese of Durham. It also contains the shrines of the Anglo-Saxon saints Cuthbert and Bede. There are daily Church of England services at the cathedral, and it received 727,367 visitors in 2019. It is a grade I listed building and forms part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bristol Cathedral</span> Church in Bristol, England

Bristol Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is a Church of England cathedral in the city of Bristol, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Bristol. The cathedral was originally an abbey dedicated to St Augustine, founded in 1140 and consecrated in 1148. It became the cathedral of the new diocese of Bristol in 1542, after the dissolution of the monasteries. It is a Grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hexham Abbey</span> Church in Northumberland, England

Hexham Abbey is a Grade I listed church dedicated to St Andrew, in the town of Hexham, Northumberland, in the North East of England. Originally built in AD 674, the Abbey was built up during the 12th century into its current form, with additions around the turn of the 20th century. Since the dissolution of the monasteries in 1537, the Abbey has been the parish church of Hexham. In 2014 the Abbey regained ownership of its former monastic buildings, which had been used as Hexham magistrates' court, and subsequently developed them into a permanent exhibition and visitor centre, telling the story of the Abbey's history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wells Cathedral</span> Anglican cathedral in Somerset, England

Wells Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, is a Church of England cathedral in Wells, Somerset, England. It is the seat of the bishop of Bath and Wells and the mother church of the diocese of Bath and Wells. There are daily Church of England services in the building, and in 2023 it was reported to receive over 300,000 visitors per year. The cathedral is a Grade I listed building. The cathedral precincts contain the Bishop's Palace and several buildings linked to its medieval chapter of secular canons, including the fifteenth-century Vicars' Close.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manchester Cathedral</span> Church in Manchester, England

Manchester Cathedral, formally the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George, in Manchester, England, is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester, seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the city's parish church. It is on Victoria Street in Manchester city centre and is a grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Germans Priory</span> Church in St Germans, Cornwall

St Germans Priory is a large Norman church in the village of St Germans in south-east Cornwall, England, UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chester Cathedral</span> Cathedral in Chester and the seat of the Bishop of Chester

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norwich Cathedral</span> Cathedral in Norfolk, England

Norwich Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is a Church of England cathedral in the city of Norwich, Norfolk, England. The cathedral is the seat of the bishop of Norwich and the mother church of the diocese of Norwich. It is administered by its dean and chapter, and there are daily Church of England services. It is a Grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford</span> Cathedral in Oxford, United Kingdom

Christ Church Cathedral is a cathedral of the Church of England in Oxford, England. It is the seat of the bishop of Oxford and the principal church of the diocese of Oxford. It is also the chapel of Christ Church, a college of the University of Oxford; this dual role is unique in the Church of England. It is administered by the dean of Christ Church, who is also the head of the college, and a governing body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leeds Minster</span> Church in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

Leeds Minster, also known as the Minster and Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds is the minster church of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It stands on the site of the oldest church in the city and is of architectural and liturgical significance. A church is recorded on the site as early as the 7th century, although the present structure is a Gothic Revival one, designed by Robert Dennis Chantrell and completed in 1841. It is dedicated to Saint Peter and was the Parish Church of Leeds before receiving the honorific title of "Minster" in 2012. It has been designated a Grade I listed building by Historic England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lancaster Priory</span> Church in Lancashire, England

Lancaster Priory, formally the Priory Church of St Mary, is the Church of England parish church of the city of Lancaster, Lancashire, England. It is located near Lancaster Castle and since 1953 has been designated a Grade I listed building. It is in the deanery of Lancaster, the archdeaconry of Lancaster and the Diocese of Blackburn. Its benefice is combined with that of St John and St Anne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wakefield Cathedral</span> Church in West Yorkshire, England

Wakefield Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, is a co-equal Anglican cathedral with Bradford and Ripon Cathedrals, in the Diocese of Leeds and a seat of the Bishop of Leeds. Originally the parish church, it has Anglo Saxon origins and, after enlargement and rebuilding, has the tallest spire in Yorkshire. Its 247-foot (75 m) spire is the tallest structure in the City of Wakefield. The cathedral was designated a Grade I listed building on 14 July 1953.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Mary's Church, Abbeytown</span> Church in Cumbria, England

St Mary's Church is in the village of Abbeytown, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Solway, the archdeaconry of West Cumberland, and the diocese of Carlisle. Its benefice is united with those of six local churches to form the Solway Plain Team Ministry. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Mary the Virgin's Church, Bromfield</span> Church in Shropshire, England

St Mary the Virgin's Church is a former priory church in the village of Bromfield, Shropshire, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Ludlow, the archdeaconry of Ludlow, and the diocese of Hereford. Its benefice is united with those of 5 other parishes to form the Bromfield Benefice. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.

References

The cathedral from the castle Carlisle Cathedral 01.JPG
The cathedral from the castle
The Becket Sword replica in Carlisle Cathedral Becket Sword Replik in Carlisle Cathedral Mike Kruger 100302 1.jpg
The Becket Sword replica in Carlisle Cathedral
  1. ↑ "Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity". Historic England . Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  2. ↑ Carlisle Cathedral: The Statutes (PDF). April 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tim Tatton-Brown and John Crook, The English Cathedral, New Holland (2002), ISBN   1-84330-120-2
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Alec Clifton-Taylor, The Cathedrals of England, Thames & Hudson (1967)
  5. ↑ "The friaries – Carlisle, Penrith and Appleby – British History Online". British-history.ac.uk. 22 June 2003. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Carlisle Cathedral website Archived 24 March 2005 at the Wayback Machine accessed 21 October 2008
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 John Harvey, English Cathedrals, Batsford (1961)
  8. ↑ "Gentlemans Magazine, Printed by F. Jefferies (1840)". 1840. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  9. ↑ Carlisle Cathedral images Archived 6 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine accessed 21 October 2008
  10. ↑ Other large windows in this complex style are the 8-light window at York Minster and the 7-light windows at Selby Abbey.
  11. ↑ "Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle by C. King Eley – Free Ebook". gutenberg.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  12. ↑ Crotchet, D. (1909). "Carlisle Cathedral". The Musical Times. 50 (794): 229–239. doi:10.2307/907989. JSTOR   907989.
  13. ↑ "Fratry Project". Carlisle Cathedral. Archived from the original on 20 August 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  14. ↑ Historic England. "Carlisle Cathedral (Grade I) (1208430)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  15. ↑ Historic England. "Abbey Gate and Gatehouse (Grade I) (1208514)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  16. ↑ Historic England. "The Deanery and Prior's Tower (Grade I) (1208577)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  17. ↑ Historic England. "Fratry of the former Priory of St Mary (Grade I) (1208468)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  18. ↑ Historic England. "Dormitory of the former Priory of St Mary (Grade I) (1197011)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  19. ↑ Historic England. "Bishop's Registry (Grade II*) (1197012)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  20. ↑ Historic England. "No.2, The Abbey (Grade II*) (1197013)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  21. ↑ Historic England. "Nos. 3 and 6, The Abbey (Grade II*) (1293105)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  22. ↑ Historic England. "Former priory wall and deanery garden wall (Grade II) (1197014)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  23. ↑ Historic England. "Railings and gates at east end of Carlisle Cathedral (Grade II) (1197010)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  24. ↑ Historic England. "No.1, The Abbey (Grade II) (1208557)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  25. ↑ Historic England. "No.4, The Abbey (Grade II) (1297329)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  26. ↑ Carlisle Cathedral — Chapter Archived 1 February 2022 at the Wayback Machine (Accessed 3 October 2022)
  27. ↑ Carlisle Cathedral — Canon Missioner Archived 7 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine (Accessed 6 January 2018)
  28. ↑ Carlisle Cathedral — Canon Warden Archived 7 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine (Accessed 6 January 2018)
  29. ↑ The Chapter of Carlisle Cathedral Annual Reports and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019
  30. ↑ Carlisle Cathedral Organ Archived 11 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine accessed 21 October 2008
  31. ↑ Details of the organ from the National Pipe Organ Register accessed 21 October 2008
  32. ↑ https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/worship/music/
  33. ↑ Dictionary of Scottish Architects: Robert Lorimer
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.