All I Want for Christmas – Cathedral Christmas

Adopt a misericord or a character in a stained glass window or buy a pew …these are just some of the more unusual present ideas on offer from English Cathedrals this Christmas.

Worcester Cathedral has just launched an opportunity to adopt a piece of its 1,000-year-old history – from the characters in its stained glass, the carved animals and angels in its stonework, to the detailed wooden images in its misericords.

And Newcastle Cathedral has announced 35 of its oak pews are for sale ahead of the start of its £6m redevelopment project in the new year which will revitalise the medieval city centre cathedral and create a more modern, flexible space for its community, both inside and out.

Worcester Cathedral is offering the opportunity to adopt a piece of its history to help support its on-going conservation and running costs. A catalogue itemising its wares – from the beautiful and vibrant coloured stained glass windows in the Medieval Cloister that tell the history of the country, the city and the Cathedral through many famous people, to the creatures and stories carved in wood in the misericords in the quire. Prices start at £25.

Rachael Hall, who is part of Worcester Cathedral’s Fundraising Team said,

“This is a great Christmas gift idea for those who are struggling to find something different to give this year. People will be supporting the Cathedral and also getting a unique present without having to brave the Christmas shops!”

A catalogue of all the items can be found on the Cathedral Website.

Those adopting a piece of history will get a presentation pack which includes a photo of the chosen item, a certificate of adoption and a dedication in the Cathedral’s donors’ book, which will include the opportunity to make a dedication to commemorate a special event, anniversary or in memory of a loved one.

The pews will be removed from Newcastle Cathedral in late January and are currently available to buy on a first come first served basis, either as seen or as adapted furniture. Prices begin at £450 and it is hoped the sales will raise between £15,000 – £20,000.

Earlier this year it was announced that Newcastle had been awarded £4.2m lottery funding towards its redevelopment project. The total cost of the work will be £6m with the National Lottery Heritage Fund providing the bulk of the money, the remainder is being donated by supporters, benefactors and charitable trusts.

Newcastle Cathedral’s Project Manager, Lindy Gilliland said:

“The pews are mid-Victorian era, from approximately 1882 when the parish church became a cathedral, and are very solid with beautiful decorative carving at the ends.”

They will be replaced by “plain, simple benches and chairs’ and the cathedral will retain the pews in its quire area and keep six decorative ends as a record, as well as retaining the detail of the building’s original 1400s architecture as part of the renovation.

“We want the cathedral to be part of city life and people to be able to enjoy a wide range of contemporary events in a historic setting,’ she said.

Anyone interested in the pews should contact Lindy Gilliland, for more information. Telephone 0191 235 7556 or email lindy.gilliland@stnicholascathedral.co.uk