Salford Cathedral Salford Manchester

Salford Cathedral, Salford, Manchester

Historic Salford Cathedral, Salford

Salford Cathedral (The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist) in Salford, Greater Manchester, is a historic church designed by Matthew Ellison Hadfield (1812-1885).

Close to the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the University of Salford and Peel Park, the church is the seat of the Bishop of Salford and also the mother church of the Diocese of Salford.

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

History

The impressive church was the first cruciform Catholic church to be built in England since the Reformation and was modeled on several well-known medieval churches.

The church is a Grade II Listed building and the center of the Catholic faith in Salford.

The construction of Salford Cathedral began in 1844 under the guidance of the first Bishop of Salford, William Turner. The cathedral was designed by Matthew Ellison Hadfield, a renowned architect of the Victorian era. The architectural style of the cathedral is neo-Gothic, which was popular during that period.

Although the construction was completed in 1848, the cathedral was not consecrated until 1851. The consecration ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, who was the first Archbishop of Westminster. The cathedral served as the mother church of the Diocese of Salford, which was established in 1850.

Over the years, several additions and modifications were made to the cathedral. In 1891, a new nave was added to accommodate the growing Catholic population in the area. The architect Peter Paul Pugin, son of renowned architect Augustus Pugin, designed the extension. The new nave featured stunning stained glass windows and a high-vaulted ceiling.

During World War II, the cathedral suffered damage from a bombing raid. After the war, restoration work took place, and the cathedral soon reopened.

The spire under renovation. — The spire under renovation

Diocese of Salford

In 1850, when the Diocese of Salford was established, St. John's Church became the pro-cathedral. It served as a temporary cathedral until 1963 when Pope John XXIII officially elevated it to the status of a cathedral. The dedication to St. John the Evangelist reflects the original dedication of the church before its elevation.

The cathedral continues to serve as the mother church of the Diocese of Salford, which covers a large area of Greater Manchester and Lancashire. It is an important religious and cultural landmark in the region, attracting both local worshipers and visitors.

The structure also underwent a major restoration project in the early 2000s. This project aimed to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the building while enhancing its facilities and accessibility.

Today, Salford Cathedral stands as an impressive example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture and serves as a place of worship, community events, and cultural activities. Its rich history and architectural beauty make it an important part of Salford's heritage.

The interior of the church. — The interior of the church

Access - how to get to Salford Cathedral

250 Chapel Street
Salford
Manchester M3 5LL
Tel: 0161 817 2210
www: salfordcathedral.co.uk

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am - 5 pm.

Mass: Monday to Friday: 8 am, 12.10 pm: Saturday: 10 am and 5.30; Vigil Mass Sunday 8 am, 9.15 am, 11 am and 5.30 pm.

Salford Central Station with regular services from Manchester Victoria Station is the nearest station just a 10-15 minute walk away. The nearest metrolink station is Deansgate-Castlefield, a 20-minute walk away.

Manchester buses 34, 34A, 36, 37, 38, 50, 51, 67 Salford's Reds, 67A Salford's Reds, 100 Salford's Reds all stop outside the church.

One of the several side chapels in the church. — One of the several side chapels in the church

Statue in the church. — Statue in the church

Nearby

The cathedral is close to several other places of interest in Manchester including Saint Philips Chapel Street, Islington Mill on James Street, the People's History Museum and the Museum of Science of Industry (MOSI).

Recommended places to stay in Manchester include the five-star Lowry Hotel, the four-star, city-center Holiday Inn Manchester, and also the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.

Other recommendations are the Kimpton Clocktower and the Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre. Both are close to Oxford Road Station.

See here for a listing of accommodation in Manchester to suit all budgets.