The story of Exeter Cathedral

Summary

Exeter Cathedral, a testament to medieval ingenuity, stands as a beacon of history and faith. Constructed over 80 years with no modern tools, it features the longest unbroken medieval stone roof and a richly decorated interior. Bishop Walter Bronco's vision transformed the dark Norman structure into a luminous space filled with light and intricate stonework. The cathedral's resilience is evident in its post-WWII restoration, highlighting its significance as a national treasure and a place of ongoing spiritual practice.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Exeter Cathedral has been a constant presence in the city for nearly a thousand years, serving as a place of faith, worship, history, and heritage.
• 🌳 The cathedral's nave features the longest continuous medieval stone roof, creating an awe-inspiring forest of stone columns.
• 🛠️ The construction of the cathedral was a massive undertaking, utilizing the wealth and resources of medieval bishops, who were influential figures combining religious and political power.
• 👨‍🔬 Bishop Walter Bronte was instrumental in the creation of the cathedral, leading the transformation of the original Norman structure into a more open and light-filled space.
• 🏗️ The Lady Chapel exemplifies the English decorated style of architecture, characterized by geometric patterns and an abundance of natural light.
• 👷‍♂️ For 80 years, a workforce of architects, stonemasons, and laborers worked by hand to construct the cathedral, lifting stones and carving details without modern machinery.
• 🎻 The cathedral's details reflect the medieval world, including musical instruments and mythical creatures like mermaids and green men, inspired by the imaginations of the time.
• 🛋️ The choir's misericorde seats, with their intricate carvings, provided support for priests during long services that could last up to six hours.
• 🎨 The West screen, a masterpiece by Master Mason William Joy, was recently restored, revealing vibrant medieval paint flecks that once brought the figures to life.
• 💥 During World War II, Exeter Cathedral was targeted and damaged by a bomb, but volunteers and later restoration efforts helped preserve this national treasure.

Q & A

How long has Exeter Cathedral been standing?

Exeter Cathedral has stood for nearly a thousand years.

What is the significance of the nave in Exeter Cathedral?

The nave is awe-inspiring with beautiful columns rising up, and it features the longest continuous medieval voltage stone roof ever built.

What was the purpose of cathedrals like Exeter Cathedral during the medieval period?

Cathedrals were places of faith, worship, and celebration of God's majesty, as well as a reflection of the fear of divine judgement among medieval Christians.

Who was responsible for the creation of the current Exeter Cathedral?

Bishop Walter Bronescombe was responsible for the creation of the extraordinary building that is the current Exeter Cathedral.

What was the original state of the cathedral before Bishop Bronescombe's time?

The original cathedral was dark and gloomy, with thick walls and almost no windows, more resembling a castle than a cathedral.

How did the architectural approach to building cathedrals evolve over time?

The approach evolved from thick walls with minimal windows to include buttresses, columns, and arches, allowing for more windows and thus more light.

What is the English decorated style of architecture, and where can it be seen in Exeter Cathedral?

The English decorated style is characterized by geometric patterns and molded stonework, playing with layers of light and color. It can be seen in the Lady Chapel of Exeter Cathedral.

How long did it take to build Exeter Cathedral, and who were the workers involved?

It took 80 years to build Exeter Cathedral, with an army of architects, stonemasons, laborers, craftsmen, and women working on it by hand without modern tools.

What are some of the imaginative details found in the carvings of Exeter Cathedral?

The carvings include musical instruments played by angels, a crucifixion scene, a mermaid, a green man symbolizing rebirth, and a fantastical elephant, among others.

What is the purpose of the 'misericorde' seats found in Exeter Cathedral?

The 'misericorde' seats, or mercy seats, were ledges on the underside of the seats where weary priests could lean back during long services that could last up to six hours a day.

What happened to Exeter Cathedral during the Second World War?

During the Second World War, Exeter Cathedral was targeted by the Germans in retaliation for British bombings. A 500-pound bomb hit the cathedral, destroying the Chapel of St. James.

What is the West screen of Exeter Cathedral, and who is it attributed to?

The West screen is the first thing visitors see as they approach the cathedral. It is a riot of angels, knights, kings, and apostles, attributed to Master Mason William Joy.