Peterborough Cathedral, one of England’s most remarkable and enduring medieval churches, is a site of deep historical and architectural significance. Located in the city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, the cathedral has been a center of faith, culture, and political influence for over 1,300 years. Its history spans various phases, from its origins in the early Saxon period to its current status as a symbol of both religious and national heritage.

The Origins of Peterborough Cathedral

The story of Peterborough Cathedral begins in the 7th century, though the site itself has seen religious activity even earlier. The first church at the site was a small Saxon chapel established around 655 AD, dedicated to St. Peter. This was built by the Anglo-Saxon Queen Aethelreda, who founded a convent here and established a community that would grow into an important religious center.

In 870, the monastery was destroyed by Viking invaders. The monks, however, managed to rebuild their monastery in the 10th century, which led to the re-establishment of the church as a center for the Anglo-Saxon church.

The Norman Period and the Beginning of the Cathedral

The next significant phase in the history of Peterborough Cathedral came after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Normans, under William the Conqueror, took control of England and instituted sweeping changes to the religious landscape. Peterborough was one of the monasteries that benefitted from this change.

In 1118, the existing church was demolished, and construction began on a new building under the direction of the Norman abbot, Benedict of Peterborough. This church was designed in the Romanesque style, characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and massive stonework. It was consecrated in 1238. The cathedral was originally built as a Benedictine monastery, and its abbey played a key role in the region’s religious and cultural life. shutdown123