Plymouth Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plymouth Cathedral |
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| Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface | |
View of the cathedral from the north west
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| OS grid reference | SX4710054859 |
| Location | Plymouth, Devon |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | plymouthcathedral.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Consecrated | 1880 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 1 May 1975 |
| Architect(s) | J. A. Hansom |
| Style | Early English Gothic |
| Years built | 1856—1858 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 61 metres (200 feet) |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Plymouth |
| Diocese | Plymouth (since 1850) |
| Province | Province of Southwark (since 1965) |
The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface is a famous church in Plymouth, England. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth. This diocese covers the areas of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. The church is also where the Bishop of Plymouth has his official seat.
The Diocese of Plymouth was created in 1850. This happened after a special order from the Pope called Universalis Ecclesiae. In 1858, the new cathedral opened. It was named after the Virgin Mary and Saint Boniface. Saint Boniface is believed to have been born in Crediton, which is in the diocese's area.
Every July, the cathedral hosts an annual naval mass. This service is for Royal Navy personnel. They are stationed nearby at HMNB Devonport.
History of the Cathedral
How it Started
Before the Reformation, Exeter Cathedral was the main church for bishops. Their diocese included all of Devon and Cornwall. In 1850, Catholics gained more freedom in England. Plymouth then became the center for Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. This was part of a new Catholic church structure.
The first bishop was officially appointed on July 25, 1851. His name was George Errington. He was from Yorkshire. He was known for visiting Dartmoor Prison every week. Four years later, Errington became a helper to the Archbishop of Westminster. On July 19, 1855, William Vaughan became the new Bishop of Plymouth. He was from Bristol.
Building the Cathedral
When the diocese first started, a small church was used. It was called Saint Mary's and was built in 1807. This church served as the temporary main church. Bishop Vaughan decided to build a new, proper cathedral.
On February 20, 1856, he bought some land. It was on the edge of town. The land cost £3,904. Some money came from a Mr. Bastard. The rest was raised by people across the diocese and other parts of England.
Joseph Hansom and Charles Hansom were the architects. Local builders from Stonehouse did the construction work. Building started on June 22. During this time, a Royal Navy officer fired new Turkish guns. This happened in Plymouth Sound. The loud blasts caused the ground to shake.
The cathedral officially opened with a Mass on March 25, 1858. This day is known as the Feast of the Annunciation. Bishop Vaughan then formally consecrated the cathedral on September 22, 1880.
Convent School
On July 26, 1860, a group of nuns arrived. They were the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. They helped run schools for poor children. They first lived in the church's presbytery.
On October 19, 1858, they bought land near the cathedral. They opened a convent there. They also started a school for girls. It offered both boarding and day classes. The school was closed after being bombed. This happened during the Plymouth Blitz in 1941. The area is now a residential complex. The Notre Dame Catholic School is now in Derriford, a suburb of Plymouth.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Santa María y San Bonifacio (Plymouth) para niños
- Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth
- St Boniface's Catholic College
