About Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England's newest cathedrals, yet it is one of the country's oldest places of Christian worship.
Blackburn Cathedral Description
With the creation of the Diocese of Blackburn in 1926 (taken from the Diocese of Manchester) the impressive parish church of St Mary the Virgin was raised to cathedral status. The church, which was built in 1826 and designed by architect John Palmer, now forms the cathedral's nave.
In the early 1930s, fundraising began to enlarge the cathedral so that the building complemented its newfound importance. By 1938, enough money had been raised and work began on enlarging the new cathedral. Although work was interrupted by the war, it was resumed afterwards and continued through the 1950s and into the early 1960s. After the death of architect W. A. Forsyth in 1950, architect Laurence King joined the project and designed the distinctive lantern tower. The lantern tower, which consists of 56 different panes of coloured glass and an aluminium spire, was completed in 1967.
The cathedral was finally completed in 1977 and what had been built over the past decades was finally consecrated as Blackburn Cathedral.
The North transept contains eight misericords dating from the 15th century. It is not known at what time they arrived at the Cathedral, but they are believed to have originated at Whalley Abbey. This could mean that they were removed to a builder's yard after the Dissolution, but with the cathedral not being built until the 19th century, this allows for the possibility that they had lain unused for some 300 years.
Reviews
Sunday morning worship from Blackburn Cathedral on line
In response to popular demand, our 2 minute reflections by Cathedral clergy will continue on Wednesdays on Twitter, FB and YouTube. Next up will be Bishop Philip on 22nd April.
The apple trees in the cloister garth are full of blossom. Looking forward to eating the apples in the autumn!
Spot the difference! One of the choristers has made a Lego Cathedral as well as a Holy Week Cross - the Lantern Tower is brilliant!
More of our choristers' Holy Week crosses. Well done, everyone!
Our choristers have taken up the challenge of making Holy Week crosses. Here are some of them (more to follow...)
We're looking lovely today!
An act of worship for Easter Sunday with the Bishops of Blackburn, Burnley and Lancaster, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson, the Rt Revd Philip North and the Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Happy Easter from Blackburn Cathedral.
You can take part in an act of worship with Bishops Julian, Philip and Jill here on FB at 9am.
Rumours of Hope - a Vigil for 2020. This joint initiative across the cathedrals of England, mission societies and theological colleges is a great lockdown initiative. Do take time to stop and reflect this Holy Saturday
This was the Easter Vigil in 2019. You can view our vigil reflection and all the two minute reflections for Holy Week here on FB or YouTube.
A reflection for Holy Saturday
An act of worship for Good Friday with the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson.
This was Good Friday 2019 at the Cathedral. This year you can join an act of worship with Bishop Julian at 2pm here on FB.
A reflection for Good Friday with Rowena Pailing, Vice Dean & Canon Missioner.
An act of worship for Good Friday with the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson.
A renewal of ministerial promises for Maundy Thursday with the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson.
We'd usually be using this 1630s chalice on Maundy Thursday. Obviously we aren't using it today, but our 2 minute reflections continue to be posted every morning, and you can also join in the renewal of ordination promises at 11am.