Collection details
Architecture, Fine Art, Music, Performing Arts, Religion  
 
About
One of the most popular places to visit in the North West, the Cathedral attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Chester Cathedral charges admission to visitors, but there is no charge for anyone wishing to attend services.

All who visit will be made most welcome, and encouraged to share in the rich beauty of this, the most complete medieval monastic complex still standing in the UK . With records of a church on this site since the early tenth century, it was founded as a Benedictine Monastery dedicated to St Werburgh on 1092. In 1541, following the dissolution of the monasteries, it was rededicated as the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chester, the mother church of the Church of England Diocese of Chester.

This site has been a place of worship for over one thousand years, standing as a living and vibrant symbol of Christianity in the North West of England.

Throughout all of this time its ministry has continued without interruption through periods of adversity such as the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the English Civil War and the two world wars.

Today the Cathedral aims to continue, and expand, the vital work which is embodied in our statement of mission

History
The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary at Chester is a living symbol of continuous progress, combined with constancy of purpose. For the worship and service of God have been offered on its site for over one thousand years; yet, over the centuries, no less than three different buildings have sheltered these primary tasks.

The story of Chester Cathedral can be traced back to the time of the Saxon Minster, which in 907 housed the remains of St Werburgh. During the period from 1092 to 1540 the Benedictine Abbey of St Werburgh flourished on the same ground. The story continues with the foundation of a Cathedral for Chester Diocese by Henry VIII in 1541, and on to our own day.   As a result, the present building contains materials belonging to every Christian century since the tenth.

The Cathedral Shop
Over the next few weeks, a number of exciting products unavailable elsewhere in Chester will be introduced for sale in the Cathedral Shop. As far as possible, everything will relate in some way to the Cathedral, its Mission or its life and story. Goods ranging from honey to bath essences, some produced by monastic communities, will be available, thus supporting prayerful communities around the world. Other products echoing French connections as well as our monastic origins are also being sought. New ranges of greetings cards have already been introduced, and books, music and other goods will soon follow, including a range of attractive hand made silver jewellery based on the Christian fish symbol.

Service Times
Regular Services
WEEKDAYS
 
07.30
 Morning Prayer (0900 on Saturday) in the Chapel of St Anselm
 
17.30
 Choral Evensong (1615 on Saturday) in the Quire
 
SATURDAYS
 
09.00
 Morning Prayer
 
09:30
 Holy Communion
 
16:15
 Choral Evensong
 
SUNDAYS
 
08.00
 Holy Communion in the Quire (Book of Common Prayer)
 
10.00
 The Cathedral Eucharist in the Nave
 
11.30
 Mattins in the Quire (BCP Eucharist 3 rd and 5 th Sundays)
 
15.30
 Choral Evensong in the Quire
 
18.30
 Evening Service in the Nave on the 1st & 5th Sundays in the month

Opening Times
The Cathedral is open to visitors:
Monday - Saturday 09.00 - 17.00
Sunday 13.00 - 17.00

Please note that there may be times when the Cathedral is closed to visitors due to special events or services - if planning a visit, please telephone ahead to avoid disappointment.

Admission
Admission Charge
There is an admission charge to enter the Cathedral:

Adults £4.00 per person
Senior Citizens £3.00 per person
Children (5-16) £1.50 per person
Family Ticket £10.00
Groups (10 or more) £3.00 per person
Charisma Card holders - no charge

Each paying visitor receives a complimentary 'guidePORT' audio tour of the Cathedral.
Charisma card holders may purchase the audio tour for only £1.00

The Chapel of St. Erasmus is set aside for private prayer in the south transept.
There is no charge to enter these chapels.

There is no charge for those wishing to attend an act of worship or for visits from Parishes in the Diocese of Chester.