Peterborough Cathedral‘s full name is the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew. What a mouthful! I definitely approve of the shortening.
Although it was founded in the Anglo-Saxon period, its architecture is mainly Norman, following a rebuilding in the 12th century. With Durham and Ely cathedrals, it is one of the most important 12th-century buildings in England to have remained largely intact, despite extensions and restoration.
Peterborough Cathedral is known for its imposing Early English Gothic West Front with its three enormous arches, is without architectural precedent and with no direct successor. The appearance is slightly asymmetrical, as one of the two towers that rise from behind the façade was never completed (the tower on the right as one faces the building), but this is only visible from a distance.
Obviously, having lived in York, I am no stranger to an imposing Cathedral and had visited few that rivaled the York Minster in beauty. But, I might like Peterborough Cathedral just as much.
However, as someone who consumed Phillipa Gregory books at a ferocious rate as a teenager, I am still able to nerd out of England’s queens. Hence Peterborough Cathedral’s biggest draw to me. It’s the resting place of two important Tudor era queens.
The first is Mary Queen of Scots. She was initially buried at the Cathedral after her execution at nearby Fotheringhay Castle, but her body was later moved to Westminster Abbey on the orders of her son, King James I. However, you can see where her tomb once was.
The other is the burial place of Catherine of Aragon. Her grave can still be seen and is still honoured by visitors who decorate it with flowers and pomegranates (her symbol). It carries the legend “Katharine Queen of England”, a title she was denied at the time of her death.
Peterborough Cathedral is beautiful in its own right, but it’s a must-visit for any fans of the Tudor-era queens.
It is free to visit Peterborough Cathedral, though there is a suggested donation. The Cathedral is located at Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough PE1 1XS
Have you ever visited Peterborough Cathedral?
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