Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral Blackburn Cathedral is one of England's newest cathedrals, yet it is one of the country's oldest places of Christian worship. After the death of architect W.A.
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There's so much going on and we're open to all. With the creation of the Diocese of Blackburn in 1926 (taken from the Diocese of Manchester) the impressive parish church of St Mary the Virgin was raised to cathedral status. The church, which was built in 1826 and designed by architect John Palmer, now forms the cathedral's nave. In the early 1930s, fundraising began to enlarge the cathedral so tha

t the building complemented its newfound importance. By 1938, enough money had been raised and work began on enlarging the new cathedral. Although work was interrupted by the war, it was resumed afterwards and continued through the 1950s and into the early 1960s. Forsyth in 1950, architect Laurence King joined the project and designed the distinctive lantern tower. The lantern tower, which consists of 56 different panes of coloured glass and an aluminium spire, was completed in 1967. The cathedral was finally completed in 1977 and what had been built over the past decades was finally consecrated as Blackburn Cathedral. The North transept contains eight misericords dating from the 15th century. It is not known at what time they arrived at the Cathedral, but they are believed to have originated at Whalley Abbey. This could mean that they were removed to a builder's yard after the Dissolution, but with the cathedral not being built until the 19th century, this allows for the possibility that they had lain unused for some 300 years.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults at Blackburn Cathedral is of singular importance. The Chapter of Blackburn Cathedral adopts the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance and is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for all and especially those who may be at risk of abuse or harm. The welfare of everyone we welcome, including children, young people and vulnerable adults, is our overriding priority and safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe environment for those who wish to worship, visit or contribute to any of the Cathedral's activities. To view our policies and commitments and for details of how to report a concern, please visit: blackburncathedral.com/safeguarding

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08/06/2026

We're open today... And every day!

Why not pop in and try one of our scrumptious scones, homemade in-house, and served with Rodda's clotted cream and Bonne Maman strawberry jam?

Enjoy alongside our Blue Cherry Coffee ☕ for a delightful afternoon treat ☺️

Available to eat in or takeaway until 3.30pm

This morning we look forward to welcoming Canon Anne Beverley, Diocesan Director of Ministry, as our preacher.Parish Euc...
07/06/2026

This morning we look forward to welcoming Canon Anne Beverley, Diocesan Director of Ministry, as our preacher.

Parish Eucharist at 9am
Cathedral Eucharist at 10.30am

All are warmly welcome to join us on Sunday 7th June at 4pm as we celebrate the 21st anniversary of ‘The Journey’ - Penn...
05/06/2026

All are warmly welcome to join us on Sunday 7th June at 4pm as we celebrate the 21st anniversary of ‘The Journey’ - Penny Warden’s stunning artwork series at Blackburn Cathedral.

At this celebratory Evensong we will mark the anniversary and give thanks for its place in the life of Blackburn Cathedral.

During this service we will reflect upon the enduring power of art to deepen prayer, enrich worship, and draw us more fully into the mysteries of faith.

"We are not just observers of the journey of Christ," says the artist Penny Warden, "rather we use His journey to help us to understand our journey through life."

Learn more at: blackburncathedral.com/journey21/

Maybe you have your own memories of this unique, contemporary set of Stations of the Cross which has been on permanent display since 2005? If so, we'd love to hear them.

All are warmly welcome to join us as we celebrate the 21st anniversary of 'The Journey' - Penny Warden's stunning artwork series at Blackburn Cathedral.

All are warmly welcome to join us at 10.30am on Sunday 24th May for the Cathedral Eucharist on Pentecost.We'll celebrate...
23/05/2026

All are warmly welcome to join us at 10.30am on Sunday 24th May for the Cathedral Eucharist on Pentecost.

We'll celebrate Pentecost which marks fifty days since Easter Day and brings the Easter season to a close. It is a major feast of the Church’s year as we recall how God’s Holy Spirit was given to the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. We give thanks for the ways in which the Holy Spirit inspires us today.

Find out more at

All are warmly welcome to join us to celebrate Pentecost which marks fifty days since Easter Day and brings the Easter season to a close.

21/05/2026

This year’s Civic Sunday event has been postponed but the new Mayor will still be installed at the Town Hall this Thursday.

19/05/2026
19/05/2026
⚠️ Civic Sunday, scheduled for Sunday 24th May, has been postponed as the incoming Mayor, Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, re...
19/05/2026

⚠️ Civic Sunday, scheduled for Sunday 24th May, has been postponed as the incoming Mayor, Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, requires an urgent hospital procedure.

As a result, the Civic Service - scheduled for 12.15pm on Sunday 24th May at Blackburn Cathedral - has been postponed. We apologise for any inconvenience.

We wish Councillor Hussain a full and speedy recovery and will confirm a new date for the event in due course.

As night approaches.May Almighty God grant you a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.Sweet Orb of Night  by: William B. ...
04/05/2026

As night approaches.
May Almighty God grant you a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Sweet Orb of Night
by: William B. Tappan (1794-1849)

Sweet orb of night! I saw thee rise
In cloudless lustre o'er the plain;
I saw thee climb the azure skies,
With radiant splendours in thy train:
I marked thy mildly pensive beam
At midnight's still and hallowed hour;
I watched the fitful, lonely gleam
That played on yonder ivied tower.

Sweet orb of night! I often love
When day with all its cares is o'er,
To wander in the silent grove,
And there the Source of Light adore:
O then, how false all else appears,
While wrapt in awe thy course I view,
And see thee mount the starry spheres,
And tread the fields of heavenly blue!

⏰ There's just two more days to visit the Fabric of Faith exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral.Uncover the rich history and...
22/04/2026

⏰ There's just two more days to visit the Fabric of Faith exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral.

Uncover the rich history and significance of the garments worn by clergy during worship, over the last century.

This exhibition - which includes stunning, historic pieces from our archive and brand new pieces (commissioned for the Cathedral's centenary) along with a large-scale art installation by acclaimed British textile artist and designer - explores how faith is woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Supported by the Friends Of Blackburn Cathedral. (FOBC) , this exhibition closes on Friday 24th April.

Learn more at blackburncathedral.com/fabric

Address

Cathedral Close
Blackburn
BB15AA

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:15am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:15am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441254277430

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