Cathedrals are awe-inspiring buildings. Most are grand medieval structures, while others appear simple and unpretentious – yet all were designed to reflect the glory of God and have a profound impact on us. As trailblazers of architectural development, each cathedral has distinct individual features – such as the powerful Norman Romanesque west towers of Durham, the unique octagonal tower at Ely, and the daring late Gothic finery and spaciousness at Gloucester. In this lavishly illustrated guide to cathedrals from Bangor to York, with profiles of Roman Catholic and Scottish cathedrals, David Pepin outlines the evolution of architectural style, each building's key features, and the ongoing story of daily worship, wide-ranging ministry, conservation, the new work of craftspeople, and the increasing numbers of pilgrims and visitors.

For centuries the great religious buildings of Great Britain have inspired and fascinated pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The beauty and diversity of British ecclesiastical architecture is superbly captured in this guide to over 60 of Britain's finest cathedrals. This definitive guide contains over 130 magnificent colour photographs that capture the enduring appeal of these great monuments to the Christian tradition. Extended entries are included on Durham Cathedral, York Minster, Lincoln Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral, St Paul's Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Glasgow Cathedral, St David's Cathedral. This definitive guide contains over 130 magnificent colour photographs that capture the enduring appeal of these great monuments to the Christian tradition. Extended entries are included on Durham Cathedral, York Minster, Lincoln Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral, St Pauls Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Glasgow Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral.

**Pointing persistently to heaven: A guide to UK cathedrals**Power, glory, bloodshed, prayer: cathedrals in the UK are as much about human drama as spiritual sanctuary, as much about political wrangling as religious fervor. From Christian beginnings in the Middle Ages through Reformation, Renaissance and Modernity, the great cathedrals of Britain have been both battleground and place of quiet reflection; created for the glory of God for sure, but also for the glory of men.Theres a litany of great deeds and a list of secrets tied up in our national cathedrals and all are revealed within our guides, the ideal companions to the stories behind the greatest cathedrals of all. Whether you are traveling to view the buildings themselves or being an armchair enthusiast, let us take you on a journey.**Book One: The North of England and Scotland**From early Celtic influences through to English Reformation and the rise of Scots Calvinism, Scotland and the north of England has had a turbulent religious history. It was once united as the Kingdom of Northumbria, from Edinburgh and Lothian right down to the Humber, incorporating the counties of Durham and York and the holy isle of Lindisfarne. Today the kingdom has been dismantled but the cathedrals, which include some of the most famous buildings in the UK, still flourish and offer their secrets for discovery.Here you will solve the mystery recently uncovered in a mass grave in the countrys oldest cathedral. Find a link to one of the UKs most famous retailers in an 11th century building. Enter inside the grand Scottish cathedral built in tribute to a 7th century Greek hermit. And go underground to discover a Saxon crypt, dating from the mid 600s.

**Pointing persistently to heaven: A guide to UK cathedrals**Rich, rolling countryside and historic towns, scenic coasts and picture-perfect landscapes. The west of England and Wales has many attractions, and not least of these are its cathedrals. Here youll find some of Britains finest and most awe-inspiring. From the countrys longest cathedral, at Winchester, to its smallest, at St Asaph. From the tallest spire in the country at Salisbury, to the longest Gothic stone vaulted ceiling in the world at Exeter.Youll also find the cathedral founded in the nations smallest city by the man who would become the patron saint of Wales. One of the most impressive and famous cathedral fronts in the country, decorated with one of the largest collections of medieval statues in Europe. And one of only six abbeys saved from destruction during Henry VIIIs purge of the Reformation.**Book Four: The West and South West of England and Wales**

**Pointing persistently to heaven: A guide to UK cathedrals**Power, glory, bloodshed, prayer: cathedrals in the UK are as much about human drama as spiritual sanctuary, as much about political wrangling as religious fervour. From Christian beginnings in the Middle Ages through Reformation, Renaissance and Modernity, the great cathedrals of Britain have been both battleground and place of quiet reflection; created for the glory of God for sure, but also for the glory of men.Theres a litany of great deeds and a list of secrets tied up in our national cathedrals and all are revealed within our guides, the ideal companions to the stories behind the greatest cathedrals of all. Whether you are traveling to view the buildings themselves or being an armchair enthusiast, let us take you on a journey.**Book Two: London and the South East**Four out of six of the cathedrals in this book were created for God and the Church of Rome, five now answer to the Queen of England. And the seventh isnt in fact a cathedral at all, though youll see why it takes its place among these hallowed buildings.From tiny timber churches that grew into magnificent cathedrals, from a Catholic faith turned Protestant, the story of these cathedrals, some of the foremost in Britain, is tumultuous, awe-inspiring and splattered with violence.They count among their numbers the oldest cathedral in England and the oldest religious sites in Britain. Many were established in the glory days of cathedral building under the rule of William the Conqueror from the 11th century.But their foundations go back much earlier; to small churches, priories and monasteries. Some may have been Roman temples. Pre-dating that, its likely many were Pagan shrines and places of worship.

The Cathedrals of Great Britain: Their History and Architecture by P. H. Ditchfield: Embark on a captivating journey through time and architectural splendor with P. H. Ditchfield as your guide. The Cathedrals of Great Britain is a majestic exploration of the grandeur, history, and intricate beauty of Britain's iconic cathedrals. From their humble origins to their awe-inspiring heights, this book is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike. Key Aspects of the Book The Cathedrals of Great Britain: A Historic Odyssey: Delve into the origins of these cathedrals, tracing their evolution from early religious structures to the towering marvels they are today. Architectural Marvels: Discover the intricate craftsmanship and architectural brilliance that went into constructing these cathedrals, showcasing the skills of the builders throughout the ages. Spiritual Heritage: Uncover the profound spiritual significance of these cathedrals, which have served as centers of worship, art, and cultural identity for centuries. H. Ditchfield is an esteemed historian and architectural expert, renowned for his exceptional ability to bring the past to life. With The Cathedrals of Great Britain, he cements his legacy as an authoritative voice on the history and architecture of these majestic structures.

An entertaining read about the experiences of a group of friends as they cycled between all the cathedrals in Britain, their reflections on visiting those cathedrals, and a guide to how to survive such a trip.

Explore the majestic beauty and rich history of the cathedrals of Great Britain with "The Cathedrals of Great Britain: Their History and Architecture Unveiled" by P. H. Ditchfield. Join him on a captivating journey through the ages as he unveils the stories behind these magnificent architectural wonders. As Ditchfield's narrative unfolds, prepare to be transported to a time of awe and splendor, where faith and craftsmanship converged to create some of the most iconic landmarks in British history. From soaring spires to intricate stained glass windows, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and timeless elegance of these sacred spaces. But amidst the grandeur and majesty, a deeper story emerges: What if the cathedrals are more than just architectural marvels? Prepare to discover the spiritual significance and cultural significance of these sacred sites as Ditchfield delves into their history, symbolism, and enduring legacy. Are you ready to embark on a journey through the heart and soul of British architecture and spirituality? Experience the power of Ditchfield's storytelling as he brings to life the remarkable history and exquisite craftsmanship of the cathedrals. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the cultural heritage of Great Britain, this book offers a captivating exploration of the cathedrals' enduring allure. Will you dare to uncover the hidden secrets and untold stories hidden within the walls of these sacred monuments? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British history and architecture, where each chapter of Ditchfield's book reveals a new facet of the cathedrals' fascinating past. Whether you're admiring the intricate carvings of Westminster Abbey or marveling at the Gothic splendor of York Minster, prepare to be inspired and enlightened by the timeless beauty of these architectural masterpieces. Don't miss your chance to discover the history and architecture of the cathedrals of Great Britain with P. H. Ditchfield as your guide. Let his evocative prose and meticulous research transport you to a world of wonder and reverence, where the echoes of the past resonate in every stone. Seize the opportunity to own a piece of architectural history. Purchase "The Cathedrals of Great Britain" now and embark on an unforgettable journey through the ages, where the splendor of the past meets the promise of the future.

The Cathedrals of Great Britain is a work by P. H. Ditchfield. It delves into the architecture and history of British cathedrals. Excerpt: "In our cathedrals we have endless varieties of plan, construction, style and adornment, as well as in the associations connected with their histories. They derive their name from the Latin word Cathedra (Greek, [Greek: Kathedra]), signifying a seat, a cathedral church being that particular church of the diocese where the bishop's seat or throne is placed. If this church belonged to a monastery it was served by the monks, but many of our cathedrals were in the hands of secular canons, who were not monks, and should not be confused with the "regular" clergy."