Cathedrals (3) : Manchester

Manchester Cathedral has it's origins in a parish church which was built in 1215CE. This was built on the site of an earlier church which existed in the early Norman period, an earlier Saxon church also once stood nearby. The parish church became a collegiate church, which was granted a licence by King Henry V and Pope Martin V, dedicated to St Mary, St Denys and St George in 1421CE. The collegiate church became a cathedral in 1847.

The cathedral has a relatively modern appearance due to extensive reconstruction and modifications in the 1860s including a new tower which was taller than the original. New porches were built replacing the medieval originals and the nave interior was replaced in the 1880s. Further restoration was needed in 1940s following bomb damage during the blitz, damage included the demolition of the original medieval lady chapel, the roof was also badly damaged.