Peterborough Cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture located in the city of Peterborough, England. The building has undergone minor alterations since its completion in the 13th century, except for restorations in the 19th century and damages caused by the Civil War in the mid-17th century. Despite the cathedral’s vast scale, it only held cathedral status since 1541, prior to which it was known as Peterborough Abbey.
The bulk of the church is of Norman design, and it still retains its apse, which is a rarity in England. The nave and transept have retained their original flat wooden ceilings decorated with early medieval painted figures in lozenge-shaped panels. The west facade is the most striking feature of the building, made up of three Gothic arches, flanked by small spires and intended to be surmounted by two pinnacled towers, although only the north tower was completed. The central 14th-century tower has a vaulted ceiling within, and it along with its counterpart at the west end makes little presence on the city’s skyline. The final addition to the church prior to the Reformation is the ambulatory around the apse, which is an excellent example of late medieval perpendicular architecture and has a stunning fan-vaulted ceiling.
In the past, the cathedral was the burial place of two queens, Katherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots, but their tombs have been defaced. During the Civil War, the Parliamentarian troops ransacked the church and former monastic buildings, resulting in the destruction of the original furnishings, woodwork, and all the stained glass in the windows. The cloisters on the south side, once famed for the beauty of their painted windows, were also demolished. The 13th century Lady Chapel, attached to the north transept, was another major casualty, demolished immediately after the war to raise funds for the restoration of the cathedral following the Cromwellian rampage.
The cathedral underwent major restorations during the 19th century, including the dismantling and rebuilding of the central tower due to structural issues. Today, the cathedral remains a marvel of architecture, with its grandeur standing out despite the misfortunes of history. It may lack the clutter of the centuries that other cathedrals often have, but it is undoubtedly one of the finest churches in England.
Posted by Aidan McRae Thomson on 2017-06-06 07:23:58