The Probert Encyclopaedia of Architecture

CATHEDRAL

A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, so called from its possessing the episcopal chair or cathedra. This is really what distinguishes a cathedral from other churches, though most cathedrals are also larger and more elaborate structures than ordinary churches, and have various dignitaries and functionaries connected with them.

The cathedral establishments in England regularly consist of a dean and chapter, presided over by the bishop, the chapter being composed of a certain number of canons. The dean and chapter meet in the chapter-house of the cathedral; in them the property of the cathedral is vested, and they nominally elect the bishop on a conge d'elire from the crown. There are often a certain number of honorary canons, also 'minor canons' who assist in the performance of the choral services, choristers, etc.

As regards architecture cathedrals naturally vary much. Those in England are almost all in the Gothic style, cruciform or cross-shaped in arrangement, and having connected with them a chapter-house, side chapels (varying in number and position), cloisters, crypt, etc. This style and arrangement are also common on the continent of Europe, and in most modern cathedrals; but the Romanesque, Renaissance, and Byzantine styles of architecture are also employed. Many cathedrals furnish the most magnificent examples of the architecture of the middle ages; and as they were intended to accommodate great numbers of people, and to exhibit imposing religious services, they are often of great size. Among the most notable cathedrals are St Peter's, the largest of all, founded in 1450; the cathedral at Milan, founded in 1386, built of white marble; the cathedral at Florence, begun about 1294, one of the finest specimens of the Italian-Gothic style; Cologne Cathedral, commenced in 1248 (and only finished in the 19th century); Notre Dame, at Paris, begun in 1163; and those of Amiens, Chartres, and Rheims. The most noteworthy English cathedrals are St Paul's, London (1675-1711), in the Renaissance style, and those of Canterbury, Ely, Exeter, Lichfield, Lincoln, Norwich, Salisbury, Wells, Westminster, and York. The cathedrals of Glasgow and Kirkwall are the only entire cathedrals in Scotland, exclusive of modern edifices.
Research Cathedral