Carlisle Cathedral
Carlisle Cathedral was founded in 1122 AD, just 56 years after the Norman Conquest. It has been in use for almost 900 years.
The city of Carlisle has witnessed many troubled times both during the medieval era and thereafter. It has figured in the turbulent history of the Scottish borders and was even for a time claimed by the Scots, eventually returning to English rule and jurisdiction. It was besieged for a time by the medieval Scottish hero William Wallace (in 1297 AD) and then centuries later by Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces. The cathedral played a pivotal role in the lives of the people of Carlisle throughout all these trouble times.
The most notable architectural features of Carlisle Cathedral are:
- the east window where there is some beautiful 14th century stained glass
- the Brougham Triptych which is a superb 16th century carved Flemish altarpiece
- the 14th century barrel-vaulted painted ceiling (in the choir)
- the medieval paintings in the North and South aisles (depicting the life of Saint Augustine, Saint Cuthbert, Saint Antony and the 12 Apostles.
For more information go to the Carlisle Cathedral website
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