Sheffield Cathedral

Sheffield Cathedral stands in the heart of the city on Church Street, close to the top of Fargate. It is the cathedral church for the Diocese of Sheffield and one of five Grade I listed buildings in the city. The earliest part dates from around 1200, with the newest section completed in 1966, creating a blend of medieval and modern architecture. The cathedral’s site has been used for Christian worship for centuries, and the shaft of the 9th-century Sheffield Cross was once located here. The building has survived fires and restorations, including a major fire in the belltower in 1979. The cathedral is worth visiting for its historical significance and architectural variety. It was originally a parish church before becoming a cathedral in 1914 when the diocese was created. The Shrewsbury Chapel houses Tudor monuments to the Earls of Shrewsbury, and the chancel roof features a 16th-century hammerbeam design with gilded angels. The cathedral has also hosted notable events, such as the 2015 Royal Maundy service, where the Queen distributed Maundy money to local pensioners. Inside, visitors find a mix of old and new, from 13th-century stones in the sanctuary to modern gifts like the gilded angels on the chancel roof. The Shrewsbury Chapel contains medieval altarpieces and an alabaster monument to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. The cathedral’s exterior reflects its long history, with walls resurfaced in moorstone from the 1770s. Nearby, the Cathedral tram stop connects the site to the rest of the city.