Hereford Cathedral
The current Hereford Cathedral dates from 1079 and has elements of Norman and Gothic styles. It is famous for housing one of the most important historical treasures in the country - the Mappa Mundi - a mediaeval map of the known world dating from the later 13th Century. It also posesses a "Chained Library" of mediaeval books including copies of the gospels in Anglo-Saxon script which are at least 1000 years old! The tower boasts 10 bells, 140 feet up, the oldest of which dates to the 13th century.
In 1786 the cathedral suffered a major disaster when the west tower collapsed taking a large part of the church with it. Restoration was begun under the direction of Lewis Cottingham in 1841 and completed by George Gilbert Scott in 1863. The west front was further restored by Scott's son, John Oldrid Scott, between 1902 and 1908.
Along with Worcester and Gloucester Cathedrals, the church houses the "Three Choirs Festival", rotated annually among the venues.
Click on an image to enlarge - please note copyright applies. Pictures by Stephen McIlveney
The Cathedral rises above the river Wye
The Old Town
The Sanctuary
Cottages
St Francis Xavier Church
The Sanctuary
