A cathedral is a type of Christian church that is the principal church of a bishopric. It is the central church of a diocese, the area under the jurisdiction of a bishop. In England, cathedrals are significant not only for their religious importance but also for their cultural and architectural significance. They are often the site of important ceremonies and events and are impressive feats of engineering and design. Some are almost one thousand years old (and some have roots that go back even further).

The Definition of a Cathedral

Cathedrals in England are unique from other types of religious buildings such as minsters, churches, and abbeys. What is the difference between a cathedral and a minster? A minster is a church that was established during the Anglo-Saxon period and was often associated with a monastic community. A church is a general term for any religious building, while an abbey is a complex of buildings used by a community of monks or nuns for their religious activities. Cathedrals, on the other hand, are the seat of the bishop and are often much larger than other religious buildings. They are also built in a particular style that is unique to cathedrals. Cathedrals were also great seats of power – as the Bishops were the most powerful non-royal figures in British society.

There is a lot of overlap between a ‘minster’ and a ‘cathedral.’ For example, York Minster was founded as a minster but is now officially a cathedral (Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York is its official title). It also looks like a cathedral, even though it’s a minster. Westminster Abbey in London is considered both a minster and an abbey but is very much a cathedral in practice except that its official title is that of a church (officially the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster). Best not to try and make sense of it!

The architectural style of cathedrals in England is largely influenced by the Gothic period, which began in the 12th century. Gothic architecture is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses that allow for the construction of large, open spaces. The use of stained glass and elaborate carvings also adds to the grandeur of these buildings. The most famous example of Gothic architecture in England is probably the Cathedral at Canterbury, which was built in the 11th century but underwent significant renovations in the 12th and 13th centuries.

One of the key differences between cathedrals and other religious buildings is their cultural significance. Cathedrals are often used for important ceremonies and events, such as royal coronations and funerals. They are also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to marvel at their beauty and learn about their history. Many cathedrals also have important artifacts and treasures, such as the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral.

Great Examples of English Cathedrals

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most spectacular cathedrals in England (we also have a great article on the major cathedrals of England here that goes into more detail):

1. Canterbury Cathedral – Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and is one of the most important religious sites in England. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Salisbury Cathedral – Salisbury Cathedral is known for its towering spire, which is the tallest in England. It is also home to the Magna Carta, one of the most important legal documents in history.
3. York Minster – York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. It is known for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
4. St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable buildings in London. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is known for its impressive dome.
5. Durham Cathedral – Durham Cathedral is located in the northeast of England and is known for its imposing towers and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.