Reckoned as the broadest church in England, this splendidly stout medieval cathedral is a testament to Manchester's indomitable spirit.
Manchester Cathedral is a majestic sight, dominating the end of Deansgate, where the city's main thoroughfare crosses the River Irwell. Amazingly though, for all its fine Gothic features, and stout medieval architecture, this is a religious building that has been built – and rebuilt – over again. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune have rained down rather harshly on this 800-year old cathedral. But step inside the 'Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George' (to give it its full name), and you'll find it is one of the finest decorated churches in England. The roof, quire and seats are widely-recognised as exquisite examples of the best in medieval wood-working. And the stained glass – modern though it is – is praised for its bold and colourful interpretation of religious themes.It is believed that a church of some sort has stood here since Anglo-Saxon times – a small carved angel in the nave has a motto engraved in Old English. But the church proper dates back to 1215, when it was built as the chapel for the Baron of Manchester's nearby castle. The local barons remained well-connected throughout Tudor and Elizabethan times, and the church did well too. It became a 'collegiate church' with special privileges.But it was in the mid-19th century, when Manchester had grown to a thriving metropolis, that it became a cathedral proper. Sadly, however, the stonework had suffered from years of erosion, and was in danger of collapse. It had to be replaced and refaced, in first of several rebuilds. It was German bombs in the Second World War that caused the most destruction, destroying several of its chapels. That damage took two decades to repair.Then in 1996, disaster struck again, when a bomb planted by Irish Republicans exploded close by. But Mancunians have taken these woes in their stride – the cathedral now boasts a stained glass window dedicated to the healing of the wounds of the long conflict in Ireland. So Manchester Cathedral is a worthy focus of attention from visitors to this stalwart city – not just for its decorative treasures, but also for its indomitable spirit of reconciliation.
