England Cathedrals – Top 5
I always used to wonder what it would feel like to stand at the entrance of Westminster abbey and look up at the rich gothic architecture, or visit St. Paul’s cathedral. As a child, I read about the deep histories of these places and it always compelled me to at least picture them in all their glory.
Recently I had the pleasure of witnessing these great England Cathedrals first-hand. Although I cannot even begin to explain how intriguing and amazingly beautiful all these places were (I will be retelling my stories in individual posts), I thought I would list them down based on how good they were for me.
These are my personal feelings, though, and there are many more gorgeous Cathedrals to see throughout the land.
Durham Cathedral
Truly one of the finest examples of Romanesque Architecture in England, the gothic style of the prevailing century of the time was quite different from what I saw here. Completed over a period of 40 years, the building was innovatively built with flying buttresses (hidden above the vaults), pointed arches, and ribbed vaults all together. What I liked most about the cathedral was the huge ceilings and the tapestries, all blended well with the gothic theme. I think it’s safe to say, I’ll definitely be seeing that place again.
Lincoln Cathedral
My second pick of top England Cathedrals Lincoln Cathedral just may be the most enjoyable piece of architecture you’ve ever seen. I spent hours drooling over the marvelous showcase of decorative art, the details and the color. If you ever do visit Lincolnshire, make sure you don’t miss this place. It is also known to be the 3rd largest English cathedral. All the more reasons for you to pack up your bags and hit the road.
Westminster Abbey
There is no denying the fact that Westminster Abbey has probably the richest history of all the England Cathedrals.
It is built on a marshy retreat called Thorny Island where the River Tiburon used to run. When I stood inside the entrance of the abbey, I noticed the huge chandeliers in the nave that I had read about as a child. It was all as surreal as ever, I never imagined these places would be as interesting as I imagined them to be.
Ely Cathedral
The cathedral with the unique Octagon Tower, Ely must be one of the most marvelously engineered buildings of the middle ages. The ceiling of the cathedral is a huge tourist attraction, known for its unique Lantern Tower. Most English cathedrals are built with twin west towers, but Alan of Walsingham designed a central tower that seems to float above the Ely itself.
It is not just a tower though; the Norman and Gothic carvings in the oak give the entire structure a rare quality. And, be sure to look at the stained glass windows inside. They detail is unbelievable and the colors are so vibrant.
A must see.
York Minster
My last top 5 of England Cathedrals go to a medieval marvel, York Minster has the richest heritage of the entire lot.
It was burnt and destroyed time and time again and then slowly rebuilt, York was where Edwin Northumbria was baptized, and in fact it was built for the same purpose. Though the structure that stands today in all its glory is the most breathtaking sight you’ll ever see, and sitting outside, keeping watch over the Cathedral, Constantine. it still makes me wonder what it might have looked like before the fires.
These were my personal top choices for Cathedrals to see in England. Fortunately, most of them are in and around London so it is easy enough to make day trips. One book that was a bit inspirational for me, and I never put down while traveling around was The Gothic Cathedral
The land is certainly filled with many more, all with an amazing history and towering over many of the local towns. Oh, and another one of my top picks, St. Pauls Cathedral, right in the heart of London.
Enjoy!