Manchester Cathedral

Overview

Manchester Cathedral, formally the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George, is a medieval church at the heart of the city. Its wide nave, ornate misericords and vivid stained glass make it one of northern England's finest parish churches.

Highlights

• Choir Stalls: Intricately carved 15th-century misericords depicting mythical beasts and medieval life.
• Fire Window: John Hayward's striking 1966 stained glass commemorating the Manchester Blitz.
• Hanging Bridge: The medieval bridge adjacent to the cathedral, one of Manchester's oldest structures.

History

A church has stood on this site since at least 700 AD. The current perpendicular Gothic building dates primarily from 1421 and became a cathedral in 1847. It was heavily repaired after IRA bomb damage in 1996.

Visitor Tips

• Admission: Free; guided tours available on selected days.
• Events: Regular free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.