Manchester Cathedral, formerly the parish and collegiate church of St Mary, St Denys and St George, exudes civic pride and is an imposing edifice. It was rebuilt in the 15th century when it was promoted to collegiate status and is stylistically the late Perpendicular. The upper half of the west tower is a Victorian addition, but it blends well with the remainder of the cathedral. Unfortunately, the original sandstone did not age well, necessitating complete renewal of the external stonework and much of the internal surface. Further restoration was necessary following bomb damage in World War II when a high-explosive demolished the lady chapel and much of the northeast corner. Despite all the restoration and renewal, the cathedral still has much to offer, including medieval woodwork remaining in the roofs and furnishings. It is one of the most successful of the “parish church cathedral” upgrades, possessing the scale, interest, and dignity of a cathedral. The cathedral is normally open to visitors daily.
Posted by Aidan McRae Thomson on 2019-09-04 07:24:03