The Cathedral

This is situated in the north-east quadrant of the city close to the eastern section of the city wall. There is an entry charge to go inside the building which helps towards, but does not cover, the running costs as there is no financial support for cathedrals from the government. It does have a nice shop and also a refectory where we had lunch one day.

This refectory used to be the monk's refectory when this was an abbey - rather fitting we thought. The fare was quite satisfactory but not outstanding. The stained glass window is modern and depicts The Creation.

This cathedral is one of this country's minor cathedrals and if, because of that, you think of giving it a miss you could be kicking yourself later. One of it's most important features is certainly the Quire. The 14th century oak stalls are adorned with the most phenominal carving you are ever likely to see.

It is set within one of the most complete group of medieval monastic buildings in the country and if you have ever wandered through the ruins of Fountains Abbey or Rievaulx Abbey and wondered how they would have looked when they were in use then you should vist this cathedral. This was a former abbey commandeered by Henry VIII and later changed to a cathedral.

There was a Norman church here before this, parts of that church are incorporated in the current building, and there was a Saxon church on the site before that.