Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral on Victoria Street, in the Cathedral Quarter of Manchester, England, is a 15th-century Perpendicular Gothic church that has served as the city's cathedral since 1847. Built mostly of local sandstone, it is notable for having one of the widest medieval naves in England, a broad, light-filled space under a timber roof with carved angels. Inside, visitors can see the richly carved 15th-century wooden choir stalls and their misericords, which are decorated with humorous and fantastical figures, as well as the quire screen, the fan-vaulted tower ceiling and a collection of stained glass. Much of the interior glass was lost when German bombing damaged the building in December 1940, and the post-war restoration produced the modern windows and fittings that sit alongside the medieval stonework. The Fire Window, a 1960s work, is one of the most commented-on pieces. Outside, the Cathedral Gardens and the nearby Urbis building, Chetham's Library and Manchester Arena form the surrounding urban landscape, while the quieter rear of the cathedral faces towards the River Irwell. A typical visit takes 30 to 45 minutes, longer if a tour or a service is attended. The cathedral is an active place of worship with daily services, including choral evensong on several days a week, and parts of the building may be closed during services, concerts and events. Mornings tend to be quiet, before lunchtime events begin. The best photographic views are looking east along the nave towards the choir and the east window, and from the gardens looking up at the tower. The cathedral is a three-minute walk from Victoria station and about ten minutes from Piccadilly Gardens. Visitors who want more detail can join a guided tour where available or pick up a leaflet at the entrance, and the cathedral shop and cafe provide a quiet stop at the end of the visit. The building also hosts concerts and exhibitions through the year, and the gardens outside are a pleasant place to sit in dry weather.