Ely
Visited Tue 22 August
Saved until last as it's such a gem. Friendly "small town" atmosphere - during my visit three different people offered to take my picture with the bike. Stayed for Evening Prayer (sadly no music during August) after which Canon Missioner invited me up to the lantern - surely the crowning glory of Ely. Lovely evening, so stupendous views across the Fens. Only the second day of the tour on which I'd visited 4 cathedrals, but end of August approaching and weather still unsettled. Job done!
Peterborough
Visited Tue 22 August
Chatted with lady steward who came from East Bridgford, just down the road from Radcliffe on Trent. Unfortunately the glorious west front shrouded in scaffolding for repairs - if I'd come in June I'd have beaten the scaffolders. Fortunately the cathedral website has a lovely picture which I shall use for the slide show. Arguably the finest Gothic elevation in Europe, I'm told, though there's a "spare" tower just behind it; intended as one of a pair, but before the other was finished they changed their mind and built a giant portico in front of it!
Leicester
Visited Tue 22 August
One of the very newest dioceses (1926, same year as Blackburn). The first cathedral where I nearly didn't get a bookmark because I was too early! Several of the shops have been just closed, and staff have taken pity on me and opened up specially, but here they hadn't opened. But cathedral shop staff are all really nice people and respond well to grovelling.
Lichfield
Visited Fri 11 August
Another of the ancient dioceses of England; first bishop was St Chad in about 700 AD. Bookshop was out of stock of leather bookmarks - calamity! But they kindly set one on afterwards, with compliments! Verger graciously stayed on a few minutes to show me the "oddity".
Hereford
Visited Fri 21 Jul
Last visit of 14 in 12 day holiday - still almost as hot as ever, but heat better than rain! Cathedral being prepared for Three Choirs Festival so couldn't get into the Choir at all, or get a picture of the woodpecker on the organ there - sponsored by Bulmer's, the cider makers! Shame, as it would have made a good "oddity". Also west end of nave blocked off with tiered seating. Like nearby Worcester, Hereford had a bishop since before 700 AD - odd how the ancient dioceses varied in size so greatly.
Worcester
Visited Fri 21 Jul
Had to go a day earlier than originally planned because of a military service on my intended day, for which cathedral was closed so the security people could "sweep" it. Much recent restoration as the cathedral had become seriously dilapidated. Same thing had happened 130 years ago. King John's tomb attracted some visitors but was never as lucrative as Edward II's at Gloucester... I approached from the wrong side, where no name board outside, so wheeled bike into north porch for pic. Diocese created before 700 AD and priory here since 971; present church built 1250-1400. Strong musical tradition - partnered with Gloucester and Hereford in Three Choirs Festival - and organ currently being replaced; shame the scaffolding erectors hadn't greased their pulley (nearly put my earplugs back in).
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