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Manchester Cathedral has been centre stage in its city’s history for nearly 600 years. In 1421 Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built.

In 1847 a new Manchester diocese was created and this historic church became a Cathedral.

This Grade I listed masterpiece has not only provided a stage on which the city of Manchester’s compelling history has been played out but also provided some of the leading actors for this narrative. Century after century the stone walls have survived wars and bombings, Henry VIII’s reformation and Queen Elizabeth I’s spy, witnessed the birth of the world’s anti-slavery movement and lived the Industrial Revolution first hand.

There are medieval quires and ancient archives, bees on the roof and kangaroos carved on thrones, choristers running to practice and artists drawing in aisles. Classical music concerts served with coffee and wines fairs set to jazz.

The Cathedral is located in the heart of the Medieval Quarter – a historic part of the city, alongside Chetham's School of Music, Chetham’s Library and the National Football Museum.

This is an invitation to join us. The doors are open 7 days a week and the admission is free.
Do not miss one of the most interesting churches in the land at the heart of one of the most exciting cities on Earth.

This is Manchester’s Cathedral. Not to be missed.