Celebrations planned for Carlisle Cathedral's 900th anniversary
A year-long series of events is being planned to celebrate Carlisle Cathedral's 900th anniversary.
Not only will there be concerts and exhibitions, but visitors will be invited to gaze at the stars too as part of the Rest Under the Stars event.
This will see part of the Cathedral transformed into a place of rest where people can relax on deckchairs to admire the starts on it's world-famous painted ceiling.
Headphones with specially-created soundscapes will add to the restful atmosphere of the event, whose programme of worship, events and talks is themed around Journey and Rest - reflecting the Cathedral’s role as a place of rest in the restless history of Carlisle and the Border region.
The Revd Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, who is Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral, said: “The last two years have been a time of enormous challenge for everyone.
“Our 900th anniversary programme of events aims to offer people an opportunity to find rest among the busyness of daily life, which is something the Cathedral has offered to Carlisle andits diocese throughout its history.
“We’re working with several different charities and organisations throughout the year to create a year to remember. For the Rest Under the Stars installation, local arts charity, Prism Arts, will help us transform part of the cathedral into a place of rest and relaxation where people can leave daily life behind.”
Canon Carter said the Cathedral was integral to the heritage of the area, providing a place of rest over the centuries which continues today.
“For 900 years, Carlisle Cathedral has continued to faithfully serve the diocese, the city and the county,” he said.
“It has acted as a place of rest throughout its history, welcoming and giving shelter to visitors, travellers and pilgrims, and, as we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic, the programme of events, activities and engagement to mark this special anniversary will enable people to be part of this ongoing life of journey and rest in many different ways.”
The history of the Cathedral
Founded by King Henry I in 1122, this year marks 900 years of the church in Carlisle City Centre.
It started life as a Norman Priory Church, only becoming a cathedral in 1133.
King Henry I formed the Diocese of which Carlisle was the centre because it was close to the Scottish border which was unruly at the time, so the King wanted to impose his authority.
It was refurbished in the 13th and 14th centuries when Edward I held his parliament in Carlisle shortly before his death - the improvements were later destroyed in a city-wide fire.
The 15th and early 16th centuries also brought about improvements, when the monastic buildings were renewed.
Then, between 1853 and 1870, Carlisle Cathedral was restored by Ewan Christian and later in the 19th century, it became the subject for a geometric analysis by Robert William Billings.
For the full programme of events and to book tickets, please click here.