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Read the Bishop's message here 		 
Leeds Cathedral

The Story of Leeds Cathedral

In 1838 a new church, dedicated to St. Anne was opened in the centre of Leeds. In 1878 this became the Cathedral Church of the newly created Diocese of Leeds. When the local authority decided to re-align the roads in the vicinity of the Cathedral at the end of the 19th century St. Anne's had to be demolished. The present Cathedral was built on an adjacent site between 1902 and 1904 and was designed by J.H. Eastwood and his assistant, S.K. Greenslade. The official opening of the Cathedral took place in June 1904 and it was consecrated in 1924.

The eminent architectural historian, the late Patrick Nuttgens, once described Leeds Cathedral as "one of the best of all the Catholic Cathedrals in the country, and probably the most outstanding after Westminster".

Leeds Cathedral is in an excellent position at the heart of the city and provides a refuge from the activity of one of Britain's busiest city centres. St. Anne's Cathedral is a place of silence and prayer for so many people who can glimpse something of God's peaceful presence in the midst of our all too busy world of the 21st century.
In 1987 the external stonework was cleaned and repaired and the Cathedral was completely re-roofed in 1991.

The prize-winning Cathedral Hall (pictured right) was opened in 1993.
Click here for more information.
  Cathedral Hall
Leeds Cathedral  

At the beginning of August 2005 the Cathedral finally closed for just over 12 months for major internal repairs and restoration work.

The Bishop of Leeds launched the Appeal for the restoration of the Cathedral at the end of May 2005.

Read the Bishop's message here

We need over £1.5 million to restore our Cathedral to its original glory

How will the money raised in this Appeal be spent?

  • External stonework repairs and the restoration and cleaning of the internal stonework.

  • The repair of the windows and the renewal of the badly worn steps in the South Porch.

  • The installation of a new under-floor heating system.

  • The restoration of the original York Stone floor in the Nave.

  • The re-lighting of the Cathedral.

  • The restoration of the Stations of the Cross.

  • Decorating in the original Edwardian colours the whole of the interior of the Cathedral.

  • New internal West Doors.

  • A new Baptistry and the re-ordering and restoration of the Sanctuary.
 Leeds Cathedral

Leeds Cathedral
Leeds Cathedral

Leeds Cathedral		  

Can we justify spending this amount of money on the Cathedral today?

It may seem an impossible or unnecessary task but when the Cathedral was built one hundred years ago the mainly poor Catholic population of the Diocese of Leeds raised the equivalent of £10 million in today's money. They were rightly proud of their Cathedral as the Seat of the Bishop and the Mother Church of the Diocese.

We must have faith that we can raise this money to preserve and develop the magnificent gift of St. Anne's Cathedral. This has been handed on to us in trust for future generations. When the work is completed the Cathedral will once again be a worthy setting for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.

How can I help?

  1. You could become a Cathedral Restoration Patron. We are inviting people to give £20 per month for 5 years and to Gift Aid their donations.

  2. Send a donation, if possible Gift Aided, to the Cathedral.
If you would like to receive the Restoration Patron brochure or a donation envelope please complete the form here.

Please pray for the success of our Cathedral Restoration Appeal.

Lord, as we recall the day you filled our Cathedral Church with your glory and holiness, may our lives also become an acceptable offering to you in our generous response to all the gifts you have given us through your Holy Catholic Church.

We love the place, O God,
Wherein thine honour dwells;
The joy of thine abode All earthly joy excels.

We love the house of prayer,
Wherein thy servants meet;
And thou, O Lord, art there
Thy chosen flock to greet.

With thanks to all who have given so generously to the Cathedral over the years and for all who will give generously today.

God bless you.

Fr. Michael McCreadie
Cathedral Dean

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Leeds Cathedral

Leeds Cathedral
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