This post is the first in a series on Cathedrals and churches in the United Kingdom. In cities, towns and villages all over Britain you will find beautiful old buildings which are often somewhat sad and sombre relics of a vanished era of faith, power and excess. They are largely forgotten now, in many instances surrounded by the gravestones of a larger departed congregation than the living faithful and yet they represent a vast heritage of art, architecture and history which is there to be explored and perhaps rediscovered. I have begun a personal exercise of photographing churches and cathedrals in the United Kingdom and have been struck by their wealth. Most have been built over centuries and all are full of drama. Most hold their ages within them and speak of bygone eras but some seem very modern even though they were constructed centuries ago.
The first in this series is Wells Cathedral in Somerset – Wells Cathedral is the best example I have come across so far of an ancient building which appears futuristic even by today’s standards, although it was built some 700 years ago. The city of Wells derived its name from ancient wells which were used during Roman times. The first church was constructed on the site in the 700s. The current cathedral was constructed during the early 1300s. Thomas of Whitney was the master mason, clearly a person with a vision way ahead of his time. The history of the Cathedral can be read at the Wells Cathedral web site.
As with many instances across the country, inner-city cathedrals are finding a new place in their communities, both as places of worship and as places of service to their communities. All those who use and care for these magnificent structures deserve our congratulations and support.
Click on the images to see them and other shots in the Season Images Gallery.
Wow Len the cathedral images are amazing. They really show off the marvellous soaring lines of the buildings. I’m struck by the gorgeous patterns the lines make and am thinking of new fabric art works where I can incorporate line to give a similar idea of the greatness of God. The architects, planners and builders of these wonderful buildings really have caught the vision in showing, in our limited way, just how very awesome our God is. I am so very proud to know the artist behind these images. 🙂
Thanks Sue for your comments. I recently photographed Chichester Cathedral – I will put up the images shortly.