Wakefield Cathedral

Wakefield Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of All Saints, stands proudly in the heart of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. This magnificent structure, with its towering spire reaching 247 feet into the sky, is not only the tallest building in the city but also a beacon of architectural splendor and historical significance. As you approach this stunning Gothic edifice, you are immediately struck by its grandeur and the sense of history that permeates its very stones.

The Rich History of Wakefield Cathedral

The origins of Wakefield Cathedral can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times. Evidence of a Saxon church on this site was uncovered during extensions in 1900, revealing the deep historical roots of this sacred place. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, the church's history is intertwined with the very fabric of Wakefield's past.

In 1090, William II bestowed the church and its lands to Lewes Priory in Sussex, leading to the construction of a Norman church shortly thereafter. This Norman structure was rebuilt in 1329, and then again in 1469, with only the tower and spire remaining from the previous iteration. The church underwent numerous reconstructions and alterations over the centuries, including a significant rebuilding in the Perpendicular Gothic style during the early 15th century.

The church, originally known as All Hallows, was renamed All Saints after the Reformation. Its current appearance owes much to the Victorian restoration carried out by George Gilbert Scott and his son John Oldrid Scott between 1858 and 1874. In 1888, the Diocese of Wakefield was established, and the parish church was elevated to the status of a cathedral.

Architectural Marvels

The cathedral's walls are clad in beautiful ashlar sandstone, giving it a timeless and majestic look. The south wall features a porch with a wrought iron gate and a sundial over the door arch. The north aisle wall, dating back to around 1150, is the oldest part of the church. The nave piers, from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the 14th-century arcade and chancel arches, are testaments to the cathedral's long and storied past.

The late 15th-century chancel, now serving as the choir, boasts a stone-vaulted roof, while the nave's original stone roof has been replaced with wood. The wooden ceilings over the nave and aisles, adorned with carved bosses, add a touch of medieval charm to the interior. The chancel, transept, and St. Mark's Chapel, designed by John Loughborough Pearson and completed by his son Frank L Pearson in 1904, are splendid examples of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture.

Stunning Fixtures and Fittings

Wakefield Cathedral is home to some exquisite fixtures and fittings. The windows, with their panel tracery, feature stained glass created by Charles Eamer Kempe. These windows, reminiscent of the late Middle Ages, depict Old Testament themes on the darker north wall and New Testament figures on the lighter south side.

The cathedral also houses a 17th-century rood screen and a rood by Ninian Comper, completed in 1950. The mid-17th-century font and the 1708 pulpit are notable features, as are the 15th-century choir stalls, gifted by Thomas Savile. These stalls include misericords and carvings of mythical beasts and the iconic green man.

The reredos, crafted by John Oldrid Scott, possibly incorporates earlier works, while the high altar is the creation of Frank Pearson. St. Mark's Chapel features furniture by Robert Thompson, known as the 'Mouseman' for his signature mouse carvings. The cathedral also boasts a fine collection of church plate and several memorial tablets from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Tower and Bells

The cathedral's four-stage west tower, with its angle buttresses and tall crocketed spire, is an architectural marvel. The spire, the tallest in Yorkshire, stands at an impressive 247 feet. The tower houses a ring of 14 bells, including a 35-1-0 cwt tenor bell. These bells are rung on Sundays and special occasions, adding a melodious charm to the cathedral's ambiance.

A Hub of Community and Culture

Wakefield Cathedral is not just a place of worship but a vibrant community hub. Treacy Hall, added in 1982, serves as a chapter house and houses offices, a shop, and a café. The cathedral is also a venue for public events and celebrations, thanks to the 2012 restoration and reordering of the nave, which created an open space for various activities.

The cathedral's choir, consisting of boys, girls, and adults, has performed on BBC One's Songs of Praise and BBC Radio 3's Choral Evensong. Wakefield Cathedral was one of the first in Britain to accept female choristers, reflecting its progressive and inclusive ethos.

A Living Heritage

Wakefield Cathedral is a living heritage site, continuously evolving while preserving its rich history. From its Saxon origins to its role as a modern-day cathedral, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Wakefield. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Wakefield Cathedral is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the past and a celebration of the present.