Britain & Ireland Places of Worship

Christ Church Cathedral was founded by Viking King Sitric, almost 1000 years ago, in 1034. The nave, or central part of the church, contains the tomb of medieval warlord Strongbow—leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. It also contains the heart of Dublin's patron saint, Saint Laurence O'Toole. The crypt of the church, which is one of the largest in Ireland and the UK, has been restored from the 12th century and houses an exhibition called the Treasures of Christ Church. Amongst other manuscripts and artefacts is a 14th century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae (a book of law dating back to 1216). Perhaps the crypt's most popular exhibit is the mummified remains of a cat and a rat. Known locally as 'Tom & Jerry', the cat is believed to have chased the rat into a pipe of the church organ, where they both eventually became stuck.

1

On guided tours, there is also the chance to ring the church bells. The oldest of that dates back to 1743 and, collectively, the 19 bells form the world record for the number of bells available for full-circle ringing. Getting to the Belfry in Christ Church Cathedral involves climbing 86 stone steps in a medieval building and crossing the roof at the South transept – quite the experience! Please note, because of this steep climb a visit to the Belfry is not suitable for children under 12 or if you have walking difficulties

The town of York was first established by the Romans circa 71 AD, and was originally known as Eboracum. Relics and artefacts continue to be unearthed to this day, and it is said that only about 3% of York's subterranean Roman history has been discovered. During the 9th century, the town was the capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, until it was seized by the Vikings — who renamed the town Jorvik.

York Minster was first constructed as a wooden church for the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria in 627 AD. This church was replaced with a Roman-style basilica, parts of which are still visible today in the minster's foundations. Other surviving elements include remnants in the crypt and foundations of the first Norman minster, built here during the 11 century.

2

The church of today was built 1220 and 1480, and stands as a visual record of key phases of Gothic architectural evolution. Enjoy a journey back almost 2,000 years through the structure's history, through an interactive exhibition in the Undercroft Museum — York Minster Revealed. And, see the magnificent skyline of York City stretching into the distance, from the minster's tower.

If you'd like to see more of York on foot, take a look at our York City Walking Tour page.

Westminster Abbey is what's known as a Royal Peculiar. It is not officially an abbey, and it does not fall under the ownership of the Church of England. Instead, it is set aside as a subject of the British Crown. Every English sovereign, since William the Conqueror in 1066, has been crowned here — with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, who were murdered and abdicated, respectively, before they got the chance.

3

The majority of the Westminster Abbey, that we see today, was constructed during the 13th century, although its origins date back to circa 960 AD. Through the years, it has also been the location for 16 royal weddings and numerous royal funerals. Including, in recent years, the wedding of Princess Catherine and Prince William in 2011, and the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Highlights of the tour include the many royal tombs, including those of Mary Queen of Scots, the Boy King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I. As well as the graves of notable 'commoners' in Poets' Corner and Scientists' Corner. Poets' Corner features the graves of Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens, and memorials to William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. While Scientists' Corner includes the final resting places of Stephen Hawking, Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

The iconic dome of St Paul's Cathedral has graced the London skyline since 1710. The site was once a pagan place of worship and has been a religious sanctuary for over 1,400 years. The structure we see today has survived the Blitz's Luftwaffe of World War II, and, before London's skyscraper boom of recent years, it stood as the tallest building in the city until 1963.

An earlier version of St Paul's Cathedral was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. And, under the guidance of one of the world's most revered architects, Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral was rebuilt to its current glory. In 1981, St Paul's Cathedral was the location for the wedding of Charles, the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.

4

The highlight of a tour of St Paul's Cathedral is the magnificent dome that sits on top. Having been inspired by the Vatican's St Peter's Basilica, Christopher Wren replaced the cathedral's former tower with what is today regarded as one of London's most recognisable landmarks. As you climb towards the dome, 527 spiral steps in total, and take in the breathtaking views of London, the genius of Sir Christopher Wren comes to the fore. There is a touching monument to Wren in the crypt below the cathedral, as well as a memorial to around 300 historic figures from Britain's past, including Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

St. Giles' Cathedral, more commonly known as Edinburgh Cathedral, was established in 1124 by King David I. The structure that was see today was completed in the early 16th century, with numerous alterations and improvements made during the 19th and 20th centuries, including the addition of the Thistle Chapel. After the Scottish Reformation — the outlawing of Catholic worship in Scotland 1525 from 1560 — John Knox became the church's minister.

Today, the cathedral stands as a proud reminder of Scotland's religious past and an important centre for Edinburgh City's civil services. Visitors are invited to Edinburgh Cathedral for worship, sightseeing and to take in its history, music and art. The crown spire of the church, standing at 161 feet, has been a beacon of the Edinburgh skyline since it was erected in the 16th century.

5

Edinburgh Cathedral remains today, over 900 years after it was founded, as one of Scotland's most-popular attractions — attracting over million people per year. The interior of St. Giles' Cathedral boasts stunning stained glass windows, elaborate woodwork, and decorative stone carvings, with the Thistle Chapel being particularly notable for its intricate craftsmanship.

Glasgow Cathedral is a Scottish rarity, a cathedral left largely intact after the Scottish Reformation of the 1560s. First developed in the 13th century, and using the Gothic architecture of the time, it is dedicated to Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo — who founded a monastic settlement on the grounds in the 6th century. Today, the interior of the cathedral is a mix of the old and the contemporary. Much of the impressive wooden ceiling boasts timber dating back to the 14th century, while the majority of the stained-glass windows, and items such as Francis Spear's 1958 masterpiece "The Creation" are relatively new additions.

6

A 15th-century stone choir screen divides the cathedral, adorned with seven pairs of statues that are said to represent the Seven Deadly Sins. Found in the northeastern corner is the entrance to the 15th-century upper chapter house, where the University of Glasgow was first established and today acts as a sacristy. A staircase descends into the lower church, where you'll find the tomb of St Mungo, held within a forest of stone pillars.

On the grounds of Glasgow Cathedral lies the Necropolis Victorian Garden Cemetery, thought to have been the site of up to 50,000 burials and home to over 3,500 tombs. The garden cemetery covers an impressive 37-acres, and is laid out more like an informal park, as favoured during Victorian times, rather than the more modern grid style.

St. Fin Barre's Cathedral is located on the western edge of Cork City, overlooking the River Lee. It stands as a remarkable blend of architecture and deep-rooted spirituality. Upon approaching the cathedral, you are greeted by its stunning facade, made of local Cork limestone and Bathstone from Bath in England. The cathedral was built on the same site where St. Fin Barre, Cork's patron saint, founded his monastery in the 7th century. It was designed by English architect William Burges in the Gothic Revival-style and was built between 1863 and 1879.

The cathedral's roof consists of three imposing spires, atop one of these spires sits what locals call The Doomsday Angel. A gift from William Burges to the people of Cork, the Doomsday Angel is a life-sized, golden-plated angel holding a pair of 4-foot trumpets. It is rumoured, that come Judgement Day, the angel will blow these trumpets to alert Corkonians of their impending doom. Although, as Burges was a big fan of smoking opium, it's possible he started this rumour himself.

7

St Fin Barre's Cathedral remains one of the most iconic sights of the Cork skyline and continues to attract visitors from all over the world every year. The cathedral grounds are beautifully maintained and include gardens, a cemetery, and stunning views of Cork City towards the east. There is daily worship and Sunday services, and guided tours of the interior are available for a small fee.

If you'd like to see more of Cork on foot, have a look at our Cork City Walking Tour page.

While the northeast of England is relatively sparse when it comes to notable landmarks, one has stood out since 1093 — Durham Cathedral. The area's other landmark of note, the Angel of the North, wasn't erected until 1998. Durham Cathedral is located a 25-minute train ride from Newcastle City, and is seen today as one of the world's most beautiful examples of Romanesque Anglo-Norman Architecture. Durham Cathedral was the first English Cathedral to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

8

Within the cathedral, you'll get to see the exquisite stone Neville Screen, the final resting places of St Cuthbert and St Bede, the western and central towers as well as take in some of the most breathtaking views of County Durham. The one-hour tour of the cathedral is hosted by one of the expert volunteer guides, and they'll give you the full 1,000 history of the building, as well as take you on an exploration throughout it.

Located in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, St. Patrick's Cathedral is an important religious and historical site. Dedicated to Ireland's patron saint, the cathedral was built on the supposed site where St. Patrick formed a church during the 5th century. The structure we see today was built in various stages from 1840 to 1904.

The county of Armagh was once the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, but with the introduction of the Irish Reformation by the English King Henry VIII, St Patrick's Cathedral has not had a Catholic Archbishop reside there. The Irish Reformation was designed "to deprive Catholics of all civil life; to reduce them to a condition of extreme, brutal ignorance; and, to disassociate them from the soil", and was essentially brought as a way for King Henry VIII to receive an annulment from his first marriage.

9

The cathedral boasts impressive architecture, with lofty spires, intricate stonework, and stunning stained-glass windows. Visitors can admire the grandeur of the nave, elegant choir stalls, and intricate carvings throughout. One of the most impressive features of St Patrick's Cathedral is its location. Sitting atop the Hill of Armagh, which has been designated as a sacred site since ancient times, and offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

With its monumental round tower, St Canice's Cathedral rises majestically above the north of Kilkenny's city centre. Perhaps understandably so: ranking just behind St Patrick's in Dublin, it is Ireland's second-largest medieval cathedral. Gothic in style, it is characterized by its iconic round tower which affords commanding views of the surrounding area. There are only two round towers in Ireland that you are allowed to climb and this is one of them.

10

The history of the building itself, long and varied, began - at least according to legend - in the Sixth Century with the establishment of a monastery there by St Canice, Kilkenny's patron saint. Inside the building you will find the tomb of Bishop Ledrede. In the 14th Century, the bishop accused Alice Kyteler of witchcraft. The first person in the Irish records condemned for Witchcraft

The site where St Davids Cathedral stands today has been a religious settlement since the 6th century. Dedicated to the patron saint of Wales, St. David, the current structure of the cathedral was first constructed in the 12th century using stone quarried from local sites. The architecture of the cathedral is a blend of Gothic,Norman and Romanesque styles. During the centuries since its first inception, there have been several expansions and additions to the cathedral, including aisles, towers and chapels.

11

St Davids Cathedral holds a deep cultural significance to the Welsh People, as it is the final resting place of their patron saint and has become a place of pilgrimage and religious celebration. It is said that if you make two pilgrimages to St Davids that it was worth one pilgrimage to Rome. As the cathedral receives no state funding, it replies 100% on the donations of its visitors.

Located in the picturesque town of Llandaff, a 15-minute drive west of Cardiff city centre, Llandaff Cathedral dates back almost 1,500 years. Founded in the 16th century as a monastic settlement by Saint Dubricius, its stands today as one of the two cathedrals in Cardiff, the other being the Roman Catholic Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral in Cardiff city. Throughout its lifetime, the cathedral has suffered extensive damage from various sources. Especially in 1400 at the time of the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, but also events such as the English Civil War and the Great Storm of 1703. The nave's roof was also blown off during the Cardiff Blitz of World War II.

12

People who have been put to rest at Llandaff Cathedral include Saint Dubricius, Meurig ap Tewdrig, Saint Teilo, as well as numerous Bishops of Llandaff. A section from the 12th-century Book of Llandaff states that Llandaff Cathedral at the time measured just 20 feet high and 15 feet wide. Today it stands proudly at 195 feet tall and is often cited as one of Wales' most important and visually stunning buildings.

Situated on the island of Iona, off the rugged western coast of Scotland, Iona Abbey has been a religious site since the 6th century. Founded by St. Columba and 12 colleagues who had travelled from Ireland in AD 563, the isle of Iona is said to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Even though the island seems remote today, during the 8th century, Iona thrived as a prominent hub of artistic activity, nurturing talented sculptors, metalworkers, and manuscript illuminators.

13

Visitors to Iona Abbey can discover religious structures and materials that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Around this time, Viking attacks began across the British Isles, and Columba's monastery suffered frequent raids. For fear that they might be stolen, many of the monastery's relics were taken out of the area and kept for safekeeping in Perthshire in Scotland and Kells in Ireland. The Book of Kells, currently residing in Trinity College, Dublin, is said to have been created here.

St Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, has stood for in the centre of Belfast City for over 120 years as the 'Cathedral at the Heart of City, with the City at our Heart'. Construction of the cathedral began in 1899, it was centred around the old parish church of St Anne's, which remain as an active church until 1903. Extensive additions and adjustments were made to the cathedral over the next 80 years, with the Celtic cross and the Chapel of the Royal Irish Rifles being added in 1981.

In recent times, St Anne's Cathedral is known for its charitable works. In 1976, the then Dean of Belfast, Samuel B. Crooks, began a yearly 'Sit Out' during the week before Christmas outside the cathedral taking donations from passers-by with the aim of passing those donations over to local Belfast charities. To this day the tradition has stayed, with each new Dean of Belfast undertaking the task. The charity, known as "Black Santa" because of the outfit Samuel B. Crooks wore to keep warm, has gone on to raise several millions of pounds for charity.

14

St Anne's Cathedral is also known for its stunning Romanesque architecture, first designed by local Belfast architect Sit Thomas Drew and later adapted by its subsequent designers. Visitors to the chapel's interior can expect a vast and intricate array of stonework, including depictions of The Crucifixion and The Resurrection, as well as stunning mosaics on the walls of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the Baptistery ceiling.