Cathedral Church Of St Mary

The Cathedral Church of St Mary in Manchester is a Grade I listed collegiate parish church that has served as a cathedral since 1847. The church was primarily built between 1422 and 1520, possibly incorporating some earlier materials. It underwent alterations and restorations in 1814-15, 1862-68 by J.P. Holden, 1885-86 by J.S. Crowther, and in 1898 by Basil Champneys. Additional annexes were added in 1903 by Champneys and in 1934 by Sir Percy Worthington. The building suffered bomb damage in 1940 and was subsequently restored and rebuilt by Sir Hubert Worthington.

Constructed from sandstone in the Perpendicular style, the cathedral features a west tower that was rebuilt in 1867, along with a west porch added in 1898. The structure includes a 6-bay nave with north and south aisles, each with chantries, and a north porch rebuilt in 1891, as well as a south porch from the same year. The choir consists of 6 bays with north and south aisles that include chapels. The south Chapter House dates from the 15th century, and the east Lady Chapel was destroyed in 1940 and later rebuilt.

During World War II, Manchester Cathedral was one of the most damaged English cathedrals after Coventry, but the interior still features remarkable elements, including excellent choir stalls from around 1505-10 with misericords. Other notable fittings include a possibly early 16th-century pulpitum restored with a cornice added in 1872, altered 18th-century parclose screens, and screens in the choir chantries. The nave and restored choir roofs are also impressive.

In the Lady Chapel, there is a restored 15th-century screen, and in the Derby Chapel, a fragmentary early 16th-century brass dedicated to Bishop Stanley and an 18th-century font can be found. Additional features include a Saxon angel stone, a brass in the choir commemorating its builder John Huntingdon, and statues of Humphrey Chetham by William Theed from 1853 and Thomas Fleming by Baily from 1851. The west porch contains a statue of Queen Victoria, sculpted and presented by her daughter Princess Louise, and there is a carving from 1933 by Eric Gill over the entrance to the south annexe.