List of cathedrals in the United Kingdom facts for kids

Cathedrals are really special churches! They are the main churches for a bishop, who is a leader in certain Christian churches. Think of them as the "headquarters" for a bishop's area, called a diocese. These amazing buildings are often very old and have lots of history. They are important places for worship, community events, and even tourism.

What is a Cathedral?

A cathedral is more than just a big church. It's where a bishop has their special chair, called a "cathedra." This chair is a symbol of their role as a spiritual leader. Cathedrals are usually very grand and beautiful buildings. They often have tall spires or towers that reach high into the sky. Inside, you'll find amazing stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and sometimes even huge organs.

These buildings have been around for hundreds, or even thousands, of years! They've seen many important events in history. People visit them to pray, learn about the past, or simply admire their incredible architecture.

Cathedrals Across the UK

The United Kingdom has many cathedrals, each with its own unique story. They belong to different Christian groups, like the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church, and various Orthodox churches. Let's explore some of them!

Anglican Cathedrals

Most cathedrals in the UK belong to the Anglican Church. This includes the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Church of Ireland.

Famous English Cathedrals

• Canterbury Cathedral is super important! It's the "mother church" for the whole Anglican Communion worldwide. It started being built way back in 1070!
• York Minster is another huge and famous cathedral. It's the main church for the northern part of England. It has been a place of worship since the year 300!
• St Paul's Cathedral in London is very well-known, especially for its huge dome. It was finished in 1675 and is a famous landmark in the city.
• Salisbury Cathedral is famous for having the tallest church spire in the UK. It was built very quickly for its time, between 1220 and 1320.
• Ely Cathedral has a unique "lantern" tower, which is like a big, open space at the crossing of the church. It's a truly amazing sight!

Cathedrals in Wales

Wales has its own beautiful Anglican cathedrals:

• Bangor Cathedral is one of the oldest, with roots going back to 456 AD!
• Llandaff Cathedral is another ancient site, established around 550 AD.
• St David's Cathedral is named after the patron saint of Wales. It's a very special place for Welsh history and faith.

Scottish Episcopal Cathedrals

In Scotland, the Anglican Church is called the Scottish Episcopal Church.

• St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh is a grand building that opened in 1879.
• Glasgow Cathedral (St Mary's) is another important Episcopal cathedral in a major Scottish city.

Church of Ireland Cathedrals

Northern Ireland is home to several Church of Ireland cathedrals.

• St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh is one of the oldest, dating back to 445 AD.
• Belfast Cathedral (St Anne's) is a more modern cathedral, established in 1904.

Catholic Cathedrals

The Catholic Church also has many cathedrals across the UK.

English Catholic Cathedrals

• Westminster Cathedral in London is the largest Catholic church in England and Wales. It's known for its stunning striped brickwork.
• Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is very distinctive with its modern, circular design. It was completed in 1967.
• St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham was one of the first Catholic cathedrals built in England after the Reformation.

Welsh Catholic Cathedrals

• Cardiff Cathedral (St David's) is the main Catholic cathedral in Wales, established in 1916.

Scottish Catholic Cathedrals

• St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh is the main Catholic cathedral in Scotland's capital.
• St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow is another significant Catholic cathedral in Scotland.

Northern Irish Catholic Cathedrals

• St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh is the main Catholic cathedral in Northern Ireland, completed in 1870.
• St Peter's Cathedral in Belfast is another important Catholic cathedral in the region.

Other Cathedrals

The UK is home to cathedrals from many other Christian traditions too!

• The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile in London serves the Ukrainian Catholic community.
• There are several Greek Orthodox Cathedrals in London, Birmingham, and Leicester, serving the Greek Orthodox community.
• The Coptic Orthodox Church has St George's Cathedral in Stevenage.

Former Cathedrals

Some churches used to be cathedrals but aren't anymore. These buildings are still very important historically. For example:

• Old Sarum Cathedral was the original cathedral for Salisbury before the current one was built.
• Bath Abbey was once a cathedral, but now it's a parish church.

These amazing buildings show the rich history and diverse religious traditions of the United Kingdom. Each one tells a story of faith, art, and community that has lasted for centuries.