St Nicholas Cathedral can be found in the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne on the corner of Mosley Street and St Nicholas Street, a five minute walk from Newcastle Central Station, on bus routes and near to a public parking area (Dean Street)
This rather magnificent building is the cathedral for the Church of England Diocese of Newcastle which stretches all the way from the nearby River Tyne on Tyneside to the River Tweed in North Northumberland, it serves Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland and is known as England's most Northerly Cathedral
The Cathedral plays an important role in the spiritual and cultural life in the city and it is known as a centre of musical excellence. It hosts both religious and civic occasions.
The cathedral building dates mainly from the 13th and 15th centuries but the interior has changed greatly over the years.
It is its Spire (1844) that it is well known for. This rather daring piece of architecture was used for over 500 years as a navigational point for ships on the River Tyne!. The Cathedral is also known for its beautiful monument and memorials, such as the Collingwood Memorial. Admiral Lord Collingwood successfully concluded the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805 (after the death of his friend and colleague Lord Nelson) Lord Collingwood.was baptised and married at St Nicholas Cathedral.
The Maddison Memorial, is an attractive and lively monument dating back to the mid 17th century and commemorates three generations of the Maddison family.
The Danish Memorial commemorates the Danish seamen who sailed from the Tyne and who died in the second world war, it also celebrates the strong links between Denmark and Newcastle Upon Tyne.
The effigy of the Unknown Knight which dates back to the 13th century. It is the oldest memorial in the Cathedral and it is thought the knight probably served under King Edward who reigned form 1272 to 1307.
There is a lot to see in this beautiful building which offers peace and quiet in a busy city centre. What I enjoyed viewing the most was the magnificent font close to the entrance to the Cathedral and The Choir which features fine Gothic Revival woodcarvings by Newcastle artist Ralph Hedley.
The Cathedral offers a place for refreshment – The Lantern Café which is open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 3pm.
Nearby is Newcastle's vibrant quayside with cafes restaurants and hotels, as well as the city centre shops.
