We had begun Andy’s short birthday vacation by visiting Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Then, after arriving in Sheffield city centre we had explored a bit by looking around the Winter Garden, the Peace Garden, and more. Finally, we had enjoyed an evening meal at Efes Restaurant. For our second day, we decided to visit Sheffield Cathedral.

The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Sheffield. Otherwise more commonly referred to as Sheffield Cathedral, describes itself as ‘a place for all people’.

It is Sheffield’s oldest building in continuous use. The site has probably been used for Christian worship for over a thousand years. Originally this was a parish church. In 1914 it was elevated to cathedral status when the diocese was created.

 

You enter via the West End and the lantern tower. This is the newest section of the cathedral, being rebuilt in the 1960s to bring more light into the building.

The main section of the cathedral, the Nave has been extended over the centuries, and the one seen today was rebuilt in the Victorian era.

A little further on is St George’s Chapel. This was going to be the main chapel when the cathedral was enlarged and re-orientated in the 1930s. It is now the Memorial Chapel and is dedicated to the York and Lancaster regiment.

Underneath St George’s Chapel is The Crypt Chapel of All Saints. This is described as a peaceful place for prayer and contemplation.

Behind St George’s Chapel is The Chapel of the Holy Spirit. This was built in the 1930s and was planned to be the Lady Chapel.

Leaving the newer sections of the cathedral we headed over to the east end. St Katherine’s Chapel celebrates the ministry of women.

Moving on, we passed the Sanctuary and The Shrewsbury Chapel & Lady Chapel. This area was built in the 15th century. Indeed, there are sections dating back to the 11th century.

Nearby is the chancel.

When leaving the cathedral we came across the statue of James Montgomery in the grounds. He spent most of his life in Sheffield and had a great impact on the city as a newspaper editor, social reformer, anti-slavery campaigner, hymn-writer and supporter of the Sunday School movement.

It is well worth visiting Sheffield Cathedral. This blog post mentions just a few of the many aspects of the cathedral. The story of Sheffield Cathedral is also, in many ways, the story of Sheffield. You could visit the cathedral and easily see an entirely different story. In fact, perhaps you should.