Cathedral Church Of St Philip

The Cathedral Church of St Philip, located in St Philip's Churchyard in the City Centre, was designed in 1709 and consecrated in 1715, although the tower was not completed until 1725. It was elevated to cathedral status in 1905. This building is the first significant commission by architect Thomas Archer and is recognized as an important example of English Baroque architecture. The structure is made of stone and was refaced between 1864 and 1869 by J A Chatwin. It underwent restoration after war damage from 1947 to 1948.

The church has a rectangular plan with slight projections at the east and west ends, representing the chancel and tower. The aisles extend beyond the nave at both ends, creating vestibules that contain stairs to the galleries on either side of the tower and vestries adjacent to the chancel. The vestries were added during alterations to the east end in 1883-1884 by J A Chatwin, who also extended Archer's original shallow apsidal chancel. The tower features porches on either side with Borrominesque details. The side elevations are adorned with arched windows that are separated by Doric pilasters, which support an entablature and a parapet topped with urns.

Inside, the church features a five-bay arcade, north and south galleries, and decorative plasterwork by Richard Hass. Notable furnishings include the organ case from 1715 by Thomas Schwarbrick of Warwick, wrought-iron chancel rails styled after Tijou or Bakewell of Derby, and stained glass windows on the east and west sides designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris between 1885 and 1897.