Carlisle Cathedral
Encyclopedia
The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, otherwise called Carlisle Cathedral, is the seat of the Anglican
Bishop of Carlisle
. It is located in Carlisle, in Cumbria
, North West England
. It was founded as an Augustinian monastery and became a cathedral in 1133.
Carlisle, because of heavy losses to its fabric, is the second smallest (after Oxford), of England's ancient cathedrals. Its notable features include some fine figurative stone carving, a set of medieval choir stalls and the largest window in the Flowing Decorated Gothic style in England.
, as an Augustinian Priory of the Roman Catholic Church. Although many large churches of Augustinian foundation were built in England during this period, the Archbishop of Canterbury William de Corbeil
, being a member of this order, Carlisle is one of only four Augustinian churches in England to become a Cathedral, most monastic cathedrals being Benedictine. The church was begun by Athelwold, an Englishman, who was to become the first prior. In 1133, the church was raised to the status of cathedral and Athelwold became the first Bishop of Carlisle (1133–55). The building was refurbished in the 13th and 14th centuries, receiving impetus from the presence of the court of Edward I in 1307. In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the monastic buildings were renewed.
With the Dissolution of the Monasteries
from 1536, and the establishment by Henry VIII of the Church of England
as the country's official church, Carlisle, along with the other monastic cathedrals, was run by a secular chapter like the cathedrals at Lincoln and York, which practice has continued to this day. During the time of the English Civil War
, a portion of the nave of the cathedral was demolished by the Scot
tish Presbyterian Army
in order to use the stone to reinforce Carlisle Castle
. Between 1853-70 Carlisle Cathedral was restored by Ewan Christian
. In the early 19th century, the cathedral became the subject for a geometric analysis by Robert William Billings
.
Carlisle Cathedral was commenced in 1123 as a monastic church, possibly on the foundations of an earlier church, in the Norman
architectural style with solid masonry, large round piers, round arches and smallish round headed windows. These features may still be seen in the south transept and the remaining two bays of the nave, which are now used as the Chapel of the Border Regiment
. The stone is the local Red Sandstone which has discoloured almost to black on parts of the exterior. The building has also suffered from subsidence which is evidenced by the piers, which lean at different angles.
In the 13th century, the choir of the cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style, wider than the original and on a different axis. However, the new work was severely damaged in a fire in 1292, and the work was recommenced. By 1322 the arcades and the easternmost bay were complete, with the elaborate tracery and glass of the east window being in place by about 1350. The upper stages of the walls were finished, probably by the architect John Lewen who died in about 1398. The Gothic arcade has richly moulded arches with dog's tooth decoration, and the twelve capitals are carved with vegetation along with small lively figures representing the labours of the months
.
The choir is roofed by a fine wooden barrel vault dating from the 14th century. In 1856 this was restored and repainted to a new design by Owen Jones
. It is thought the eastern bays of the cathedral never received a stone vault because at some point the central spire blew down, and funds were required to rebuild the damaged tower and north transept, completed about 1420.
The most significant architectural feature of Carlisle Cathedral is its East Window. The tracery of this window is in the most complex of English Gothic styles, Flowing Decorated Gothic
. It is the largest and most complex such window in England, being 51 feet high and 26 feet wide. It has nine lights, and tracery, which, it has been calculated, was drafted from 263 points. The tracery of the window still contains much of its original medieval glass.
Carlisle Cathedral has a fine set of 46 carved wooden choir stalls, which were installed in the early 15th century, while the delicate gilt canopy over the High Altar is a modern work designed by Sir Charles Nicholson
.
The choir contains forty six, 15th century Misericords.
Misericords are hinged seats, “constructed to keep the monks from falling asleep while at prayers,” and carved with numerous figures and creatures. Despite their purpose, the “pillars supporting the canopies bear traces of having been burnt, by weary monks who dropped off to sleep in the midst of their interminable devotions while holding a lighted candle in their hands.” The misericords were made out of black oak, and their backs carved with scenes of the legends of St. Anthony the Hermit, St. Cuthbert, St. Augustine, and the twelve apostles, as well as mythical themes. The misericords of Carlisle include typical iconography of “half-length angels, beasts deriving from the Bestiary, hybrid creatures, and narrative scenes, including the inverted world theme of the Woman beating a Man that no decent set of misericords could be without.”
Other buildings of interest in the precinct are the Fratry dating from about 1500 and the Gatehouse of 1527. The Deanery incorporates a 15th century pele tower, called The Prior's Tower, containing a fine contemporary painted ceiling.
in 1856 and was innovative for its date. It was enlarged in 1875 to include the 32 foot pipes. In 1906 it was further extended by Harrison & Harrison
. In 1930, the organ was moved to its present position by an unknown builder. In 1962, J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd
rebuilt the organ to give it a more classical sound. In 1997, a rebuilding by David Wells
sought to restore the organ to its original Victorian tone. At this time a number of new stops were added.
The organ has 4 manuals, 72 stops: Pedal 18 stops, Positive 14 stops, Great 13 stops, Swell 14 stops, Solo 13 stops. The present organist is Jeremy Suter.
See also the List of Organ Scholars at Carlisle Cathedral.
In 1545, the Cathedral Statutes provided for four lay clerks and six choristers, who were to be "boys of tender age with sonorous voices and apt at chanting".
The present Cathedral Choir consists of 16 choristers and 6 lay clerks. The choristers were originally educated at the Cathedral's Choir School but this was closed in 1935 and the boys are drawn from local schools. There is now also of 16 girl choristers, who alternate with the boys in singing three services a week, with Evensong sung daily except Saturday, and Choral Eucharist at 10.30 on Sunday. The boys and girls are aged from 8–13 years and are recruited from local schools. They are selected at voice trials held during the year and receive a thorough musical training. They are awarded an annual bursary and pocket money.
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
Bishop of Carlisle
Bishop of Carlisle
The Bishop of Carlisle is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Carlisle in the Province of York.The diocese covers the County of Cumbria except for Alston Moor and the former Sedbergh Rural District...
. It is located in Carlisle, in Cumbria
Cumbria
Cumbria , is a non-metropolitan county in North West England. The county and Cumbria County Council, its local authority, came into existence in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972. Cumbria's largest settlement and county town is Carlisle. It consists of six districts, and in...
, North West England
North West England
North West England, informally known as The North West, is one of the nine official regions of England.North West England had a 2006 estimated population of 6,853,201 the third most populated region after London and the South East...
. It was founded as an Augustinian monastery and became a cathedral in 1133.
Carlisle, because of heavy losses to its fabric, is the second smallest (after Oxford), of England's ancient cathedrals. Its notable features include some fine figurative stone carving, a set of medieval choir stalls and the largest window in the Flowing Decorated Gothic style in England.
History
Carlisle Cathedral was begun in 1122, during the reign of King Henry IHenry I of England
Henry I was the fourth son of William I of England. He succeeded his elder brother William II as King of England in 1100 and defeated his eldest brother, Robert Curthose, to become Duke of Normandy in 1106...
, as an Augustinian Priory of the Roman Catholic Church. Although many large churches of Augustinian foundation were built in England during this period, the Archbishop of Canterbury William de Corbeil
William de Corbeil
William de Corbeil or William of Corbeil was a medieval Archbishop of Canterbury. Very little is known of William's early life or his family, except that he was born at Corbeil in the outskirts of Paris and that he had two brothers...
, being a member of this order, Carlisle is one of only four Augustinian churches in England to become a Cathedral, most monastic cathedrals being Benedictine. The church was begun by Athelwold, an Englishman, who was to become the first prior. In 1133, the church was raised to the status of cathedral and Athelwold became the first Bishop of Carlisle (1133–55). The building was refurbished in the 13th and 14th centuries, receiving impetus from the presence of the court of Edward I in 1307. In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the monastic buildings were renewed.
With the Dissolution of the Monasteries
Dissolution of the Monasteries
The Dissolution of the Monasteries, sometimes referred to as the Suppression of the Monasteries, was the set of administrative and legal processes between 1536 and 1541 by which Henry VIII disbanded monasteries, priories, convents and friaries in England, Wales and Ireland; appropriated their...
from 1536, and the establishment by Henry VIII of the Church of England
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
as the country's official church, Carlisle, along with the other monastic cathedrals, was run by a secular chapter like the cathedrals at Lincoln and York, which practice has continued to this day. During the time of the English Civil War
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
, a portion of the nave of the cathedral was demolished by the Scot
Scot
A Scot is a member of an ethnic group indigenous to Scotland, derived from the Latin name of Irish raiders, the Scoti.Scot may also refer to:People with the given name Scot:* Scot Brantley , American football linebacker...
tish Presbyterian Army
Covenanter
The Covenanters were a Scottish Presbyterian movement that played an important part in the history of Scotland, and to a lesser extent in that of England and Ireland, during the 17th century...
in order to use the stone to reinforce Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is situated in Carlisle, in the English county of Cumbria, near the ruins of Hadrian's Wall. The castle is over 900 years old and has been the scene of many historical episodes in British history. Given the proximity of Carlisle to the border between England and Scotland, it...
. Between 1853-70 Carlisle Cathedral was restored by Ewan Christian
Ewan Christian
Ewan Christian was a British architect. He is most notable for the restoration of Carlisle Cathedral, the alterations to Christ Church, Spitalfields in 1866, and the extension to the National Gallery that created the National Portrait Gallery. He was architect to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners...
. In the early 19th century, the cathedral became the subject for a geometric analysis by Robert William Billings
Robert William Billings
Robert William Billings was a London-born Victorian era painter and architect. He wrote a book called The Power of Form, in which he showed examples of the use of geometry in architecture. He also illustrated The Baronial and Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland. Many paintings based on his...
.
Architecture
Norman architecture
About|Romanesque architecture, primarily English|other buildings in Normandy|Architecture of Normandy.File:Durham Cathedral. Nave by James Valentine c.1890.jpg|thumb|200px|The nave of Durham Cathedral demonstrates the characteristic round arched style, though use of shallow pointed arches above the...
architectural style with solid masonry, large round piers, round arches and smallish round headed windows. These features may still be seen in the south transept and the remaining two bays of the nave, which are now used as the Chapel of the Border Regiment
Border Regiment
The Border Regiment was an infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of the 34th Regiment of Foot and the 55th Regiment of Foot....
. The stone is the local Red Sandstone which has discoloured almost to black on parts of the exterior. The building has also suffered from subsidence which is evidenced by the piers, which lean at different angles.
In the 13th century, the choir of the cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style, wider than the original and on a different axis. However, the new work was severely damaged in a fire in 1292, and the work was recommenced. By 1322 the arcades and the easternmost bay were complete, with the elaborate tracery and glass of the east window being in place by about 1350. The upper stages of the walls were finished, probably by the architect John Lewen who died in about 1398. The Gothic arcade has richly moulded arches with dog's tooth decoration, and the twelve capitals are carved with vegetation along with small lively figures representing the labours of the months
Labours of the Months
The term Labours of the Months refers to cycles in Medieval and early Renaissance art depicting in twelve scenes the rural activities that commonly took place in the months of the year...
.
The choir is roofed by a fine wooden barrel vault dating from the 14th century. In 1856 this was restored and repainted to a new design by Owen Jones
Owen Jones (architect)
Owen Jones was a London-born architect and designer of Welsh descent. He was a versatile architect and designer, and one of the most influential design theorists of the nineteenth century...
. It is thought the eastern bays of the cathedral never received a stone vault because at some point the central spire blew down, and funds were required to rebuild the damaged tower and north transept, completed about 1420.
The most significant architectural feature of Carlisle Cathedral is its East Window. The tracery of this window is in the most complex of English Gothic styles, Flowing Decorated Gothic
English Gothic architecture
English Gothic is the name of the architectural style that flourished in England from about 1180 until about 1520.-Introduction:As with the Gothic architecture of other parts of Europe, English Gothic is defined by its pointed arches, vaulted roofs, buttresses, large windows, and spires...
. It is the largest and most complex such window in England, being 51 feet high and 26 feet wide. It has nine lights, and tracery, which, it has been calculated, was drafted from 263 points. The tracery of the window still contains much of its original medieval glass.
Carlisle Cathedral has a fine set of 46 carved wooden choir stalls, which were installed in the early 15th century, while the delicate gilt canopy over the High Altar is a modern work designed by Sir Charles Nicholson
Sir Charles Nicholson, 2nd Baronet
Sir Charles Archibald Nicholson, 2nd Baronet , became well-known as an ecclesiastical architect. He was the son of Sir Charles Nicholson, 1st Baronet, and brother of the stained glass artist Archibald Keightley Nicholson and of Sir Sydney Hugo Nicholson, organist at Westminster Abbey and founder of...
.
The choir contains forty six, 15th century Misericords.
Misericords are hinged seats, “constructed to keep the monks from falling asleep while at prayers,” and carved with numerous figures and creatures. Despite their purpose, the “pillars supporting the canopies bear traces of having been burnt, by weary monks who dropped off to sleep in the midst of their interminable devotions while holding a lighted candle in their hands.” The misericords were made out of black oak, and their backs carved with scenes of the legends of St. Anthony the Hermit, St. Cuthbert, St. Augustine, and the twelve apostles, as well as mythical themes. The misericords of Carlisle include typical iconography of “half-length angels, beasts deriving from the Bestiary, hybrid creatures, and narrative scenes, including the inverted world theme of the Woman beating a Man that no decent set of misericords could be without.”
Other buildings of interest in the precinct are the Fratry dating from about 1500 and the Gatehouse of 1527. The Deanery incorporates a 15th century pele tower, called The Prior's Tower, containing a fine contemporary painted ceiling.
| Total length | 239 ft | 73m |
| Total width | 141 ft | 43 m |
| Internal height | 72 ft | 22 m |
| Height of tower | 110 ft | 33.5 m |
Organ
The earliest documented organ at Carlisle Cathedral is one mentioned in an inventory of 1571. The present organ was built by Henry WillisHenry Willis
Henry Willis was a British organ player and builder, who is regarded as the foremost organ builder of the Victorian era.-Early Life and work:...
in 1856 and was innovative for its date. It was enlarged in 1875 to include the 32 foot pipes. In 1906 it was further extended by Harrison & Harrison
Harrison & Harrison
Harrison & Harrison Ltd are a British company that make and restore pipe organs, based in Durham and established in 1861. They are well known for their work on instruments such as King's College Cambridge, Westminster Abbey and the Royal Festival Hall....
. In 1930, the organ was moved to its present position by an unknown builder. In 1962, J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd
J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd
J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd is a British firm of organ builders established in 1828 by Joseph William Walker in London. Walker organs were popular additions to churches during the Gothic Revival era of church building and restoration in Victorian Britain, and instruments built by Walker are found in...
rebuilt the organ to give it a more classical sound. In 1997, a rebuilding by David Wells
David Wells
David Lee Wells , nicknamed "Boomer", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Wells was considered to be one of the game's better left-handed pitchers, especially during his years with the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched the fifteenth perfect game in baseball history...
sought to restore the organ to its original Victorian tone. At this time a number of new stops were added.
The organ has 4 manuals, 72 stops: Pedal 18 stops, Positive 14 stops, Great 13 stops, Swell 14 stops, Solo 13 stops. The present organist is Jeremy Suter.
Organists
- 1560 Thomas Southick
- 1587 Robert James
- 1610 James Pearson
- 1630 Robert Dalton
- 1663 John How
- 1693 Timothy How
- 1734 Abraham Dobinson
- 1749 Charles Pick
- 1781 Thomas Greatorex
- 1785 Thomas Hill
- 1833 Richard Ingham
- 1841 James StimpsonJames Stimpson-Early life:He was born in Lincoln on 29 February 1820, the son of a lay vicar of Lincoln Cathedral, who moved to Durham Cathedral in 1822, where James became a chorister in 1827.-Career:...
(afterwards Birmingham City OrganistBirmingham City OrganistBirmingham City Organist is an appointment made by the City of Birmingham. The purpose of the appointment is to have an organist for civic occasions and who will provide a series of free public organ recitals....
and organist of St Martin in the Bull RingSt Martin in the Bull RingThe church of St Martin in the Bull Ring in Birmingham 5, England is a parish church in the Church of England.-Background:It is the original parish church of Birmingham. It stands between the Bull Ring shopping centre and the markets. The church is a Grade II* listed building. The current Rector...
, Birmingham) - 1842 Henry Edmund Ford
- 1903 E. G. Mercer
- 1904 Sydney Nicholson
- 1910 Frederick William Wadely
- 1960 Robert Andrew Seivewright
- 1991 Jeremy SuterJeremy SuterJeremy Suter was born in London. He was a chorister under Sir William McKie at Westminster Abbey. He attended Harrow and later spent two years at the Royal College of Music before going to Oxford as Organ Scholar of Magdalen College under Bernard Rose...
Assistant Organists
- Stanley G. P. Stubbs 1900 - 1902 (afterwards Acting Organist)
- Charles Frederick Eastwood 1915 - 1919
- G. F. Stuart 1932 - 1934
- Keith Burton-Nickson 1940 - 1945
- William L. Snowdon
- Ifor JamesIfor JamesProfessor Ifor James was a horn player and teacher, numbering among his pupils many future Principal Horns and horn professors at British music schools....
- Christopher Rathbone 1970 - 1973
- Hugh Davies 1974 - 1985
- Andrew Shaw 1985 - 1987
- Andrew Sackett 1987 - 1989
- Ian Hare 1989 - 1995 http://www.ianhare.org.uk
- Charles Harrison 1995 - 1999
- David Gibbs 2000 - 2005
- John Robinson 2005 - 2008
- Edward Taylor 2008 - (formerly Organ Scholar at Ely CathedralEly CathedralEly Cathedral is the principal church of the Diocese of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, England, and is the seat of the Bishop of Ely and a suffragan bishop, the Bishop of Huntingdon...
)
See also the List of Organ Scholars at Carlisle Cathedral.
Carlisle Cathedral Choir
The Carlisle Cathedral Choir dates from the foundation of the cathedral in 1133, when four laymen and six boys choristers assisted the canons with music.In 1545, the Cathedral Statutes provided for four lay clerks and six choristers, who were to be "boys of tender age with sonorous voices and apt at chanting".
The present Cathedral Choir consists of 16 choristers and 6 lay clerks. The choristers were originally educated at the Cathedral's Choir School but this was closed in 1935 and the boys are drawn from local schools. There is now also of 16 girl choristers, who alternate with the boys in singing three services a week, with Evensong sung daily except Saturday, and Choral Eucharist at 10.30 on Sunday. The boys and girls are aged from 8–13 years and are recruited from local schools. They are selected at voice trials held during the year and receive a thorough musical training. They are awarded an annual bursary and pocket money.
Carlisle Cathedral Youth Choir
The Cathedral also has a Youth Choir for boys and girls aged 13–18 years who sing services in the Cathedral once a week during term time. They are conducted by Edward Taylor the assistant organist. The Youth Choir last went on tour to Brittany in October 2010.Carlisle Cathedral Voluntary Choir
The Voluntary Choir, consisting of mixed voices, was formed to sing occasional services in the absence of the Cathedral and Youth Choirs.Carlisle Cathedral Music Appeal
In 1999 the Carlisle Cathedral Music Appeal was launched with a target of £750,000 to establish a choral foundation to enable annual bursaries and free instrumental lessons to be provided for the choristers, and scholarships and vocal tuition for the choral scholars.Burials
- Robert de ChauncyRobert de ChauncyRobert de Chuancy was a medieval Bishop of Carlisle.-Life:...
, Bishop of CarlisleBishop of CarlisleThe Bishop of Carlisle is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Carlisle in the Province of York.The diocese covers the County of Cumbria except for Alston Moor and the former Sedbergh Rural District...
(1257–1278) - Ralph of IrtonRalph of IrtonRalph of Irton was a medieval Bishop of Carlisle.-Life:Ralph was a canon of Gisborough Priory, an Augustinian foundation, sometime before 1257. Between 1257 and 1261 he was elected prior of Gisborough. He was elected to the see of Carlisle on 14 December 1278...
, Bishop of Carlisle (1278–1292) - John de HaltonJohn de HaltonJohn de Halton , also called John de Halghton, was an English priest and Bishop of Carlisle from 1292 to 1324.-Life:Little is known of Halton's background, but he attended Oxford University. He was a canon and cellerer in Carlisle Cathedral. He was elected bishop on 23 April 1292, and consecrated...
, Bishop of Carlisle (1292–1324) - John May (bishop)John May (bishop)John May was an English academic and churchman, who became bishop of Carlisle.-Life:He was a native of Suffolk and brother of William May. He matriculated as a pensioner of Queens' College, Cambridge, on 2 May 1544. He was appointed bible-clerk of his college, and in 1550 proceeded B.A., being...
- Richard SenhouseRichard SenhouseRichard Senhouse was an English churchman, Bishop of Carlisle from 1624 to 1626.-Life:He was third son of John Senhouse of Netherhall, Cumberland, by Anne, daughter of John Ponsonby of Hail Hall. His father was an antiquary who collected Roman remains, and Sir Robert Bruce Cotton visited him in...
, Bishop of Carlisle (1624–1626) - preached the coronation sermon for Charles I - Edmund LawEdmund LawEdmund Law was a priest in the Church of England. He served as Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, as Knightbridge Professor of Philosophy in the University of Cambridge from 1764 to 1769, and as bishop of Carlisle from 1768 to 1787....
, Bishop of Carlisle (1768–1787) - Samuel WaldegraveSamuel WaldegraveSamuel Waldegrave was Bishop of Carlisle from 1860 until his death.The second son of the 8th Earl Waldegrave, he was educated at Cheam School and graduated from Balliol College, Oxford in 1839. In 1842, he became a deacon and was then curate to St Ebbe's, Oxford and rector of Barford St Martin in...
, Bishop of Carlisle (1860–1869)
See also
- Architecture of the medieval cathedrals of EnglandArchitecture of the medieval cathedrals of EnglandThe medieval cathedrals of England, dating from between approximately 1040 and 1540, are a group of twenty-six buildings which together constitute a major aspect of the country’s artistic heritage and are among the most significant material symbols of Christianity. Though diversified in style, they...
- English Gothic architectureEnglish Gothic architectureEnglish Gothic is the name of the architectural style that flourished in England from about 1180 until about 1520.-Introduction:As with the Gothic architecture of other parts of Europe, English Gothic is defined by its pointed arches, vaulted roofs, buttresses, large windows, and spires...
- Romanesque architectureRomanesque architectureRomanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
- Church of EnglandChurch of EnglandThe Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
External links
- Official site
- Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle - from Project GutenbergProject GutenbergProject Gutenberg is a volunteer effort to digitize and archive cultural works, to "encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks". Founded in 1971 by Michael S. Hart, it is the oldest digital library. Most of the items in its collection are the full texts of public domain books...
. - Interpretation panels installed at Carlisle Cathedral