Peterborough Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral Peterborough Cathedral stands as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe and is the final resting place of Katharine of Aragon. Check website for details.
(1386)

We warmly welcome you to visit or worship with us. https://donate.kindlink.com/Chapter-of-Peterborough-Cathedral/9249?fbc Peterborough Cathedral is the principle church for the Church of England Diocese of Peterborough, which serves Northamptonshire, Rutland and Peterborough. Its origins can be traced back to King Peada of the Middle Angles who founded the first monastery here in 655AD. The settle

ment was almost entirely destroyed by the Vikings in 870 and rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey between 960 and 970. The Abbey church survived Hereward the Wake’s attack in 1069, and remained intact until an accidental fire destroyed the second Abbey in 1116. It was rebuilt in its present form between 1118 and 1238. It became the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Peterborough in 1541. Highlights Tours and Tower Tours are available to book. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

The Cathedral looking pretty lovely in the sunshine this evening. 💙☀️ and the lawn almost fully recovered 🌱
08/09/2026

The Cathedral looking pretty lovely in the sunshine this evening. 💙☀️ and the lawn almost fully recovered 🌱

Beautiful pictures
08/09/2026

Beautiful pictures

08/09/2026

👑 Come for Mary, stay for the Tudors… and discover some characters you might not expect!

Join us for a costumed Tudor tour this Autumn and discover the fascinating characters who have shaped the Cathedral’s story over the centuries.

Led by a Tudor character, your guide will take you on a journey through the Cathedral, introducing you to some of the famous, infamous and wonderfully quirky characters associated with this remarkable place.

You’ll hear about the names you might recognise, and plenty you probably won’t. From powerful figures and royal connections to intriguing individuals whose stories have almost been forgotten, there’s so much more to Peterborough’s past than meets the eye!

Expect fascinating stories, unexpected characters, a few surprises and plenty of history brought to life. 🕯️

And if you’re visiting for our Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition, why not make a day of it and add the Tudor tour to your visit? Discover Mary’s story and then delve even deeper into the people, personalities and events that make Peterborough Cathedral’s history so fascinating.

✨ A brilliant experience for all ages, whether you’re a Tudor enthusiast, bringing the family along or simply curious about the stories hidden within these ancient walls.

📍 Peterborough Cathedral on selected dates
🎟️ : https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/event/costumed-tudor-tour/

Go by bus guys !
08/09/2026

Go by bus guys !

Join novelist Flora Carr on 10th October, 12.00 as she discusses her acclaimed novel The Tower, a captivating story of d...
08/09/2026

Join novelist Flora Carr on 10th October, 12.00 as she discusses her acclaimed novel The Tower, a captivating story of desire, friendship, and survival set during Mary, Queen of Scots’ imprisonment at Lochleven Castle. Reimagining a pivotal period in the Queen’s life, Carr brings fresh perspective to a familiar historical figure while giving voice to individuals who have been largely overlooked by the historical record.

In conversation with historian Jackson van Uden, Carr will explore the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of blending historical research with fiction, and the ways in which storytelling can illuminate forgotten lives and hidden histories. Together, they will discuss Mary’s enduring legacy, the realities of captivity, and how fiction can offer new insights into one of Scotland’s most compelling monarchs. Available in person and online:

In-person tickets: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/event/in-person-mqs-lecture-the-tower-flora-carr-in-conversation-with-jackson-van-uden/

Online tickets: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/event/live-stream-mqs-lecture-the-tower-flora-carr-in-conversation-with-jackson-van-uden/

🕯️ A second date has been added! - Candlelight Tour and Curator's Talk, 6th November, 19.30Following the sell-out succes...
08/09/2026

🕯️ A second date has been added! - Candlelight Tour and Curator's Talk, 6th November, 19.30

Following the sell-out success of our first candlelight tour, we’re pleased to announce an additional date for this very special evening at Peterborough Cathedral as part of our Mary Queen of Scots exhibition programme.

Experience the Cathedral after dark, illuminated by candlelight and soft atmospheric lighting, and discover its incredible architecture and history in a completely different way.

The evening begins with a guided tour through the Cathedral before moving into an exclusive after-hours exploration of the world’s largest Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition, led by curator and artefact owner John White.

John will share the stories behind some of the collection’s most fascinating artefacts — from how they were discovered and acquired, to the craftsmanship, people and events connected to them.

Guests will have the opportunity to get closer to selected pieces, uncover details you might otherwise miss and, where appropriate, even handle some artefacts under expert guidance.

John's enthusiasm for Mary's story is infectious and you will certainly leave having learned lots and made a friend too : )

It’s a unique opportunity to experience both the Cathedral and the Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition after hours — and following the response to our first tour, we expect this date to be popular too: https://www.ticketsource.com/peterborough-cathedral-tours-talks/candlelight-tour-and-curators-talk/p-ddnwy

08/09/2026

👑 History buffs… the countdown is on!

Here’s another exclusive sneak peek at Mary Queen of Scots: The Exhibition, with a glimpse of some of the remarkable artefacts you’ll discover.

And this isn’t just any exhibition… it’s having its world premiere right here at Peterborough Cathedral, the original burial place of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Step into a story of power, ambition, faith, betrayal and resilience, brought to life through extraordinary objects and immersive displays.

📅 21 September – 15 November
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now; https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/event/mary-queen-of-scots-the-exhibition/

See it here first. See it here in Peterborough. 👑

Today the Church remembers the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is one of a number of feast days dedicated to the mother of Jesus...
08/09/2026

Today the Church remembers the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is one of a number of feast days dedicated to the mother of Jesus. This one, the Feast the birth of Mary , has been celebrated since the very early years of the eighth century. The reason that this date was chosen is because it was on this day that a church dedicated to Mary’s mother, St Anne, was dedicated on the site where Mary was believed to have been born in Jerusalem. The names of Mary’s parents are not to be found in the pages of the Bible but come from a very early tradition in the Church in the so-called gospel of James.

One of the significant things about this feast day is that it celebrates Mary’s birth. The calendar of the Church normally celebrates saints on the day of their death; is very a rare thing to celebrate the birth of one of the figures from our Christian story – there are, in fact, only three: Mary, today, John the Baptists (June 24th) and, of course, the most famous one of all, the birth of Jesus on Christmas day. The image comes from the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua by Giotto.

For Christians of all denominations, Mary’s life shows a pattern of obedience to God which we are invited to follow. We are challenged to say ‘yes’ to God in the same way as Mary did when visited by the Angel Gabriel. With her, the whole Church of God rejoices as we sing her song every time we say or sing the Magnificat: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

Address

Minster Precincts
Peterborough
PE11XS

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 12:15am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

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