ST DAVID'S CATHEDRAL
ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
TRURO CATHEDRAL
WELLS CATHEDRAL
WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL
WORCESTER CATHEDRAL
YORK MINSTER

A cathedral, in simple terms, is a church containing a Bishop's official seat (cathedra). The Bishop may have numerous parishes in his diocese over which he presides, but his 'see' is where the cathedral is located. In medieval Britain there were only 17 cathedrals but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries a further six new 'sees' were created and, in the last 200 years, another five churches have been raised to cathedral status. Apart from the medieval cathedrals, a few of which are now sadly in ruins, most major cities in the country have a modern cathedral.

The typical Benedictine abbey church built in England after the Norman Conquest was arranged on a cruciform plan. Despite centuries of alterations, additions, embellishments and even complete re-building in some instances, most of the cathedrals seen today follow a similar format. Magnificent architecture, detailed sculptures, skilful wood carvings, and colourful stained glass windows are some of the many wonders of these immense buildings. As breathtaking as they are today, imagine the feat and spectacle of such a place when first constructed over 800 years ago.