Wakefield Cathedral
Cathedral, free entry
Address
Northgate,
Wakefield,
WF1 1HG
Also at this Venue
Events at this Venue
date | event |
---|---|
Tue 1 May | Lunchtime Concerts |
Sat 5 May | HAPPY |
Tue 8 May | Lunchtime Concerts |
Tue 15 May | Lunchtime Concerts |
Tue 22 May | Lunchtime Concerts |
Tue 29 May | Lunchtime Concerts |
Details
Wakefield Cathedral is a landmark building at the heart of the city.
Worship began on the site of the Cathedral around Saxon times and the Normans erected the first stone structure sometime in the 11th Century.
Wakefield, as a town, prospered during the 15th century, thanks to the wool trade and during this period many alterations were made to the building, including extending the aisles and putting in the clerestory windows in order to bring in more light. The replacement paneled roofs with carved and gilded bosses remain intact today.
A new tower, surmounted by a spire, was erected at the west end. This spire rises to 247 feet, making it the tallest in Yorkshire.
Much of the above work took place during the Wars of the Roses, even while the Battle of Wakefield was being fought nearby, at Sandal Magna (Castle) in 1460.
The Cathedral today is the focal point for a busy Northern diocese, eighteenth in size of population which contains towns such as Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Barnsley and Pontefract.
People come not only for regular worship but also for the big services that every cathedral and civic church has to provide. They also come individually from the adjacent shopping precinct to light a candle and pray or simply just to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Opening details
Please check opening times in advance before traveling as services, weddings and funerals will restrict visitor access to the building.
Prices
Free entry
Also see
Location
Directions
Map reference: SE 333208 Lat: 53.68259 Long: -1.49729
By Road:
Follow the signs for Wakefield City Centre from the M1 or M62. There is no parking at this venue as it is located in a pedestrian precinct. Pay and display parking is available on Northgate or at the Ridings Shopping Centre opposite.
Public Transport:
Nearest Railway Station: Wakefield Westgate Railway Station (5 min walk)
Nearest Bus Station: Wakefield Bus Station (2 min walk)
A taxi rank (Black and White Cabs) is located on Union Street (2 min walk)
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site light refreshments
Regional Tourist Board Member
Wheelchairs available
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Disabled access
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Facilities for hearing impaired
Facilities for visually impaired