Wakefield Cathedral

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Wakefield Cathedral

The spire of Wakefield Cathedral
Dedication All Saints
Denomination Church of England
Tradition Broad Church
Administration
Diocese Wakefield
Province York
Clergy
Dean Very Rev George Nairn Briggs
Other
Organist/Director of Music Mr Jonathan Bielby
Organist Mr Edward Taylor
Website www.wakefield-cathedral.org.uk

Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield.

East Front (1911) of Wakefield Cathedral
East Front (1911) of Wakefield Cathedral

Contents

[edit] History

The cathedral stands on the site of a Saxon church in the centre of Wakefield in the northern English county of Yorkshire, and the present building was mainly built during the 14th and 15th centuries in the Perpendicular style. The 15th century spire is 247 feet (75 metres) tall and is the highest spire in Yorkshire, as well as being the fourth loftiest spire in England.

The building was restored during the 19th century by George Gilbert Scott, with the stained glass windows being created being Charles Eamer Kempe. In 1888, the Diocese of Wakefield was created and All Saints church became the diocese's cathedral. Unusally, it also still serves as a parish church, meaning that until 2000 the head of the chapter of canons was called the provost, rather than the dean.

In 1992 Wakefield Cathedral became only the second cathedral in Britain to form a girls' choir.

[edit] Organ and Organists

[edit] Organ

Details of the organ from the National Pipe Organ Register

[edit] Organists

  • 1886 Joseph Naylor Hardy
  • 1930 Newell S. Wallbank
  • 1945 Percy George Saunders
  • 1970 Jonathan Bielby

[edit] 2005 Maundy Money Ceremony

In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II visited the cathedral for the Maundy money Ceremony.





[edit] Links

List of Anglican Cathedrals in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Anglican Communion