Photographs of Newcastle Cathedral

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The cathedral is dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and boats. It was originally a parish church, first built in 1091 and rebuilt in 1359. It became a cathedral in 1882 when the Diocese of Newcastle was created by Queen Victoria. Towards the end of the 14th century, in order to allow more light into the church, the walls were heightened and a clerestory inserted. The cathedral is notable for its unusual lantern spire, which was constructed in 1448. By the end of the 15th century, the church was in very much the same form as we know it today.
The cathedral chancel carvings were specially created by Ralph Hedley in the early 19th century when the church became a cathedral. The high altar depicts Christ in Majesty holding an orb and sceptre, flanked by the Four Evangelists each with their special symbol. Much of the original glass was broken during the Civil War and most now dates from the 18th century onwards.