Christchurch Cathedral
Christchurch Cathedral
[1900]
In 1858 plans were commissioned from the pre-eminent EnglishGothic architect of the day, George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878),who never visited the city but left oversight to Robert Speechley (1840-1884), the superintending architect. The foundation stone was laid in 1864. Foundations of the Cathedral were completed in 1865 but, because of economic conditions, no further work was done until 1873 when Benjamin Mountfort (1825-1898) became resident architect. He adapted the Scott design and added features of his own, such as the tower balconies, west porch, font, pulpit and stained glass. In 1881 the nave was completed and consecrated, but there was not enough money for the transepts, chancel and sanctuary. Those took another twenty-three years to construct. The western porch was added in 1894-1895. In Nov. 1904 the Cathedral was finally completed, at a cost of £64,000. Enlarged clergy and choir vestries, together with the Chapter room were completed in 1962. Extensive restoration work was carried out in 1978 at a cost of £500,000. In 1988 the chancel was extended about 30 ft. forward into the nave. A visitor centre, designed by Alun Wilkie, was added alongside the northern wall of the Cathedral, opened by the Queen on 4 Nov. 1995.
File Reference CCL-KPCD04-0080
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