Free tours at Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is set to offer a limited number of free entry specialist tours as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.
The tours, which take place at set times between 8th and 11th September 2016, cover a range of topics relating to the Cathedral including stained glass and the historic ‘misericords’ – carved seats which date back to the 13th century.
Some tours also include free admission to the Cathedral for a more general guided tour of the building, video introduction to the Cathedral’s history and free audio tour. Booking is essential – call 01392 285983 (10am-4pm Monday-Friday from 1st September).
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that usually charge for admission or are not normally open to the public. This year, the event celebrates its 22nd year. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring local history and culture to life.
Exeter Cathedral Heritage Open Day Events
Thursday 8th September at 11am: Misericords
See and hear about our collection of 13th century Misericords, one of the Cathedral’s most significant treasures. Includes Cathedral admission.
Thursday 8th September at noon: Bishops
Learn about the legacy and lives of some of the many Bishops associated with the Cathedral over the centuries. Includes Cathedral admission.
Thursday 8th September at 2pm: A Knights’ Tale
A tour covering the interesting stories of ten knights located within the Cathedral and also looks more closely at some of their monuments. A handout will be included as part of the tour. Includes Cathedral admission.
Friday 9th September, 10am-3pm in the Library and Archives: “950 Years Ago – William the Conqueror came to England”
Come and see a small collection of 11th century documents held in the Cathedral Library and Archives. Cathedral admission not included.
Friday 9th September at 11am: The West Front
A 40-minute tour which looks in detail at the West Front image screen at the Cathedral and some of the figures contained within it. Cathedral admission not included.
Friday 9th September at 1.30pm: Clock and Chantry
A one-hour tour with a particular focus on the Cathedral’s 15th century Astronomical clock, exploring in more detail its history and significance. Includes Cathedral admission.
Saturday 10th September at 11am: Cathedral Glass
This tour focuses on the many examples of stained glass in the Cathedral, including the magnificent Great East window. Includes Cathedral admission.
Sunday 11th September at 1pm: Grandisson – the man and his chapel
A 45-minute guided tour to learn about our famous Bishop Grandisson who was instrumental in revising the important services of the Cathedral and completing the rebuilding in Gothic style.
For more information about Heritage Open Day events in Exeter visit the Exeter City Council website.
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