Wakefield Cathedral

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

 The spire (247 feet) of Wakefield Cathedral
The spire (247 feet) of Wakefield Cathedral
East Window (1911) of Wakefield Cathedral
East Window (1911) of Wakefield Cathedral

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 fourth highest 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 Wakfield 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.

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

Yeomen of the Guard marching
Yeomen of the Guard marching
Prince Philip holding the door for Queen Elizabeth II, walking towards the provost
Prince Philip holding the door for Queen Elizabeth II, walking towards the provost
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II
British subjects excitedly greeting their queen
British subjects excitedly greeting their queen


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