Thursday, April 18, 2019

Exeter Cathedral


The next place Grayden and I visited on our Golden Anniversary trip to Britain was Exeter Cathedral.  Considering the sad events of this week at Notre Dame Cathedral, I was hesitant to share our visit to Exeter.  After thinking a bit about it I decided to still share.  We visited Notre Dame Cathedral in 1997.  One of the astounding things of visiting Europe is viewing ancient cathedrals.  The Cathedrals of Europe are certainly breathtakingly gorgeous.  To view such beautiful architecture that was built without modern machinery blows my mind!  Watching the news brought tears to my eyes and heart.  I still can't believe what has happened and I'm so glad the French are going to rebuild the magnificent heart of Paris!  Vive La France !  So no disrespect to Notre Dame Cathedral is intended in my post, but to show how magnificent these old cathedrals are.  Many of them have suffered similar fates in the past because of fire and bombings and have been bought back to glory.  In fact in May of 1942, Exeter Cathedral was hit by a bomb that destroyed St. James' Chapel on the southern side.  After WWII, it was rebuilt.


This is our first view of Exeter Cathedral as we parked our car on the street behind the lovely grounds.  Come along with us as we enter Exeter Cathedral that is officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter.  This Anglican church is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter.


Maybe you know the poem or the hymn by George Herbert.  I really think it is appropriate for this Holy week. 

Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back

Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

If I lacked anything.

A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:

Love said, You shall be he.

I the unkind, ungrateful?  Ah my dear,

I cannot look on thee.

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,

Who made the eyes, but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.

And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?

My dear, then I will serve.

You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:

So I did sit and eat.




Stepping through the huge doors I am immediately struck by the magnificent quiet beauty of Exeter.  



My eyes immediately gazed upward at the heavenly vaulted ceiling.  Exeter Cathedral's foundation was begun in 1133.  Think about that for a moment...Starting with the Norman style and then in 1258 was rebuilt in Gothic style. The massive Norman towers were kept.  In 1400 the cathedral was complete.  It is made of local Purbeck marble from nearby Dorset.



Stepping into the nave of Exeter Cathedral we learn it has the longest continuous medieval stone vaulted roof in the world.  It is amazing!  Cathedral's were built to glorify God and I certainly feel that here. 


Stained glass windows adorn the cathedral in every arch.




Above the high altar is the Great East Window.  This window contains glass from medieval times.  The figures of Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah still have their original faces.  During WWII this glass was removed along with other precious items.  All the other glass was destroyed during the bombings.



The Great West Window was created by William Peckitt of York in 1767.  It features the apostles and saints. 


The Astronomical Clock dates from 1484.  This model is based on the understanding of the solar system of the day.  Such as the sun and moon circling around the earth in the center.


High on the north side of the nave is the Minstrel's Gallery.  The gallery was built in the 14th century and features carved angels playing musical instruments.


  

The misericord carving of the elephant is the only one on display in the cathedral.  It is one of the earliest involving an elephant.  These carvings are on the seats in the  nineteenth century choir stall.  The carvings are now being restored as they are separating from the seats.  They were originally carved in the thirteenth century and are one of the oldest surviving sets of misericord carvings in England.



This is St James' Chapel after its reconstruction after WWII.  It has a more modern feel but with a nod to the past.  A large portion of the city of Exeter was destroyed during this bombing.  St James' Chapel was in ruin.


The Exeter Rondels were added to the Cathedral in 1989.  Marjorie Dyer and over 70 volunteers from the Company of Tapisers made the amazing covers for the cushions that line the nave of the cathedral.  The Exeter Rondels tell the story of the history of the magnificent cathedral in tapestry.  This is an amazing feat that shows the love this community has for their beloved cathedral.



Exeter Cathedral is magnificent and reminds me of the Glory of God.  We feel honored to have experienced our time standing in that glory. 





















33 comments:

  1. These old cathedrals are just way beyond anything I can imagine. I am so sorry about Notre Dame Cathedral, but it shall be rebuilt, they say. How will today's technology match up with the work of those artisans of old, I wonder. Thanks for this beautiful post!

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    1. I'm sure cranes and other modern tools will make the rebuild easier. I hope there are artisans that can do it justice. Thank you for visiting, Chip Butter.

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  2. Oh my goodness, your photos of the cathedral are amazing. Another place we went to last time we were in England. My Dad went back and forth to the court house there all the time for his work back in the day (before my marriage). My mom and I often went along for the ride and walked around the town, stopping for a cup of tea and a scone in one of the shops. More lovely memories you've brought me Martha Ellen, thank you so much! Fabulous photos!!!

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  3. p.s. I'm glad you decided to share these. I know that Notre Dame is in all our hearts after that devastating fire.

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    1. Thank you Denise for sharing your memories of Exeter. It's a lovely town and I see why you and your mom would tag along with your dad on business. I'm so happy my post has prompted more memories! It's truly awful what happened to Notre Dame! I'm heartsick over it.

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  4. It has been a hard week for everyone around the world that loved Notre Dame. Thank you for sharing this gorgeous place.. it's salve for our wounded hearts. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ❀.•❤•.✿.•❤ Happy Easter! ❀.•❤•.✿.•❤

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    1. Teresa, it is so sad what happened to Notre Dame Cathedral, but I know in my heart they will rebuild the heart of Paris. Happy Easter to you! ♥

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  5. The world has been very quick to respond to Notre Dame, yet we have equally as quickly forgotten all the great European cathedrals that have burned, or been bombed, or suffered other forms destruction, only to rise stronger and more beautiful than before.

    Also, what many fail to know is that so many of these buildings are not fully original to the period, with many "mediaeval" buildings being in style only, having already undergone earlier restoration, mostly during Victorian times.

    I, for one, am so grateful you decided to share this post now. It is perfect for the Good Friday that follows the current week's events. Marble is such a beautiful stone, and I am sure the Purbeck marble only adds to the magnificence and awe inspiring atmosphere within the walls of Exeter cathedral

    ~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. Deb, as I've studied the cathedrals we have visited I have learned that many have stood the test of time because they are loved. Love can move mountains. I stand in awe over the love and persistence it takes to keep these monuments of faith alive for posterity. Each and every one we've visited are awe inspiring to this believer. xoxo ♥

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  6. These ancient cathedrals are all rather amazing in their workmanship!

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  7. Thank you for the tour of such a beauty. And I love George Herbert's writings. It's amazing what we humans are capable of (with God's help of course)--it's hard to comprehend building a structure like that. I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Dotsie. George Herbert's quote on the stone walking toward Exeter Cathedral set the stage for our lovely visit. I hope you have a wonderful Easter.

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  8. Oh thank you for including George Herbert's quote...wonderful! This is a most encouraging post, especially for those feeling sorrow over Notre Dame. A blessed Easter weekend to you and yours...

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    1. And a blessed Easter weekend to you and your family, Vee! ♥

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  9. I can't think of no other word than magnificent. Heavenly.
    Wishing you a Happy Easter
    Betsy

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  10. What a lovely post. Pure joy visiting these through your eyes, They are loved and will continue to be loved. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post. Happy Easter.

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    1. I appreciate your visit, Linda. Happy Easter to you and your family.

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  11. Another amazing post.
    Exeter Cathedral is truly magnificent.
    I have to thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us here.

    Happy Easter Wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Exeter Cathedral will always be in my heart, Jan. We were truly astonished by the magnificent glory that embodies this sacred place.
      Thank you for all the lovely comments you have left today on previous posts. I truly appreciate your visit.
      I hope your Easter was glorious.

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  12. The Cathedrals are so beautiful. Oh my, look at that stone vaulted roof, it's amazing! The Great West Window is beautiful, and I always love to look at the stained glass windows in Churches and Cathedrals. The Minstrel's Gallery is so lovey with the sweet Angels playing their instruments. Nel and Jess always make an effort to attend mass at the Cathedrals whenever they travel to different places. When the Notre Dame happening occurred, it really hit home for them, as they visited Notre Dame many years ago and said it was a wonderful and special experience for them.

    Wishing you delightful days for the remainder of April, Martha Ellen.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, our visit to cathedrals are awe inspiring. The beauty and love that they hold touches our hearts. I'm glad to hear your girls have had experiences in Notre Dame. It is a special place in many of our hearts. I hope you had a lovely Easter and your son is better.

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  13. An amazing cathedral. Glad you could visit. I can only imagine the awe of standing in it. Those cushions are a work of art. How nice that the community came together to create them. I trust you had a wonderful Easter...

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    1. Ellen, the cushions were extraordinary. So many stitches telling the story of the cathedral. Truly a work of art. I hope you enjoyed your Easter as well.

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  14. How special that you made Palm Flowers on Palm Sunday when you were little. Did you every keep anything that you made? Nel still has a Cross from years ago. My son is recovering now, and thanks for asking. I told him to make something out of the palm branches cause he's clever, and he surprised me with a rose. Unfortunately, it's getting dried out, but at least I have the pictures. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Martha Ellen, I love them.

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    1. I do not have the palm items from childhood, Sheri. Even though they dry out, Sheri, you could still save it. I have a palm basket and my husband, a hat, that we bought in Miami a lot of years ago. Take care, my friend.

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  15. The words that went through my head when I saw these photos is "Oh, my heavens!" And no pun intended, though that ceiling is truly reaching toward the heavens.

    Notre Dame's fire touched us all -- which I think is why it was all the more appropriate and important that you have shared this beautiful cathedral with us today -- a reminder of the great beauty of these treasured buildings and all they represent.

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    1. Thank you, Jeanie. So many cathedrals have suffered during their long existences. I for one am encouraged by the fact that most of them are so beloved they are rebuilt! Thank goodness future generations will also be able to stand in their glory.

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  16. Such a work of art, this Exeter Cathedral! The hymn you shared is beautiful. I need to find an auditory version!

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    1. Cheryl, there are several versions online. It's quite a lovely piece and so meaningful.

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