While the cathedral’s Norman roots are deeply embedded in its structure, the building underwent significant transformations over the centuries, especially during the Gothic period. In the late 12th century, as Gothic architecture began to take hold in Europe, Peterborough Cathedral began to receive substantial modifications that reflected this shift.

The most significant change came in the 13th century when the cathedral was partially rebuilt and expanded. The Norman facade was replaced with a more grandiose and intricate Gothic-style entrance, which remains one of the cathedral's defining features. The west front, as it is now known, became a symbol of the cathedral’s power and importance in medieval England.

One of the cathedral’s most iconic elements is its central tower, which was added in the early 14th century. The tower has since become a symbol of Peterborough, standing at over 200 feet tall and offering stunning views over the surrounding city and countryside.

Peterborough Cathedral and the English Reformation

The Reformation, which swept across England in the 16th century under the reign of King Henry VIII, had a profound impact on the religious landscape of England. Like many other monasteries and abbeys, Peterborough Abbey was dissolved in 1539.

At this time, the monastery was secularized and transformed into a cathedral, part of a reorganization of the Church of England. Following the dissolution, Peterborough continued to serve as a cathedral of the Church of England. Despite its transformation, the building retained much of its monastic and medieval character, even though its purpose had shifted. shutdown123