Wakefield Cathedral Yorkshire

UK Cathedrals: Wakefield Cathedral

Wakefield Cathedral (Cathedral Church of All Saints)

Jake Davies

The Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield. — The medieval Cathedral Church of All Saints in the centre of Wakefield

The Cathedral Church of All Saints is an Anglican cathedral in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

Although the church is nowhere near as famous as many cathedrals in Britain it is surprisingly beautiful with many interesting and historical features.

The spire of Wakefield cathedral is the tallest spire in Yorkshire. — 247 feet high, the spire of Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest spire in Yorkshire and the tallest structure in Wakefield

History

In 1900 while constructing an extension to the cathedral, evidence of a Saxon church on this site was discovered.

In the late 11th century a new Norman church was built on the original Saxon site.

This Norman structure was rebuilt in the early 14th century and then again in the mid-15th century in Perpendicular Gothic Style.

It was renovated and altered numerous times in the ensuing centuries, and its current form is from major renovations in the early to mid-19th century.

The tower and spire were repaired in 1823 after a violent gale severely damaged it.

At 247 feet it is the tallest spire in Yorkshire and the tallest structure in Wakefield. It became a cathedral when the Diocese of Wakefield was created in 1888.

Wakefield, Cathedral, Yorkshire. — The unusual octagonal font in Wakefield Cathedral was made in 1661

Interior

The interior of the cathedral includes a few parts from the 12th century, and many elements that date back to the 15th century. These include many carvings and most of the ceilings.

None of the medieval stained glass remains, however, there are 23 windows by the famous Victorian artist and designer Charles Kempe (1837-1907), the biggest collection of his work anywhere in the country.

The interior of the medieval cathedral in Wakefield. — The interior of the medieval cathedral in Wakefield

Stained glass windows by Victorian artist Charles Kempe in Wakefield Cathedral. — Stained glass windows by Victorian artist Charles Kempe in Wakefield Cathedral

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

The rood screen figures in Wakefield Cathedral designed by Sir Ninian Comper in 1938. — The rood screen figures in Wakefield Cathedral designed by Sir Ninian Comper in 1938

Access - Getting There

Northgate, Wakefield WF1 1HG
Tel: 01924 373923
www: wakefieldcathedral.org.uk

Open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. Entry is free.

The cathedral is located in the city centre.

The nearest railway stations are Wakefield Kirkgate and Wakefield Westgate. Kirkgate is a little over half a mile away (12 minutes on foot) and Westgate just a 10 minute walk.

Wakefield bus station is on Union Street, less than two minutes on foot from the cathedral.

Trains from King's Cross Station in London take less than two hours to Wakefield. It is also 25 minutes from Sheffield or 15 minutes from Leeds.

The nearest airports are Leeds-Bradford, Doncaster-Sheffield and Manchester International Airport.