Exeter Cathedral stands proudly in the center of Exeter in southwest Devon, England. The cathedral has a long history, stretching from Roman times to World War II. The exquisite and elegant Gothic architecture attracts people who want to learn more about medieval England. To this day, the English Gothic-style Exeter Cathedral is still recognized as the best example of the Decorated Gothic architectural style (1280─1380).

In 1050, King Edward the Confessor chose to build Exeter Cathedral on a site that contained many religious buildings, including a 5th-century Christian site, a 10th-century Anglo-Saxon building, and A Norman cathedral dating from 1180. Exeter Cathedral was completed around 1400. The main body adopts the Gothic style imported from France in the 1240s, with very rich ornaments and decorations.

The cathedral has suffered repeated damage over the centuries, notably through the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the English Civil War and the Exeter air raids during World War II. The cathedral continued to be renovated and renovated during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Exeter Cathedral is famous for its stone carvings, especially its vaulted ceiling, which is the longest medieval stone vault in the world. The carvings on the ceiling feature beautiful bosses and decorative caps, both of which are famous in Gothic architecture. The bright colors of the convex reliefs show that the medieval church was once full of bright colors.

facade statue group

The west facade of the church displays three rows of statues symbolizing heaven. The bottom row has angel statues supporting the middle row of figures. The figures in the middle row mostly represent the kings of Judah. The upper row of statues includes the apostles of Christ, the four evangelists, and the prophets of the Old Testament. Figures representing God appear at the top. In addition, architectural restorers found red pigments with flecks of blue, green or gold on the backs of the statues, confirming that they once came in many colors and were some of the most beautiful sights of the Middle Ages.

Three rows of statues symbolizing heaven, located on the west facade of Exeter Cathedral. The bottom row displays angel statues. The figures in the middle row mostly represent the kings of Judah. The upper row of statues includes the apostles of Christ, the four evangelists, and the prophets of the Old Testament. (travellight/Shutterstock)

The cathedral has sculptures on the Minstrel’s Gallery, large stained glass windows, an astronomical clock, etc., all dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Stone Vaulted Ceiling

Exeter Cathedral’s 14th-century stone vaults dominate the light and airy nave. The vaults extend from the west wall of the nave to the end of the large window choir and large organ on the east side. The ribs of the vault here are not just used to support the roof like in Romanesque churches. They also serve a decorative purpose and create beautiful patterns.

Looking closely at the magnificent pointed vaulted ceiling of Exeter Cathedral, you can see the elegant decorative ribs supporting the stone vault. The ends of the ribs meet on the convex relief. This vault style is the famous “intermediate rib” “(Tierceron). Exeter Cathedral is the most stunning example of this style. There are over 400 polychrome reliefs, making the cathedral the most important collection of medieval stone sculptures in England.

The nave of Exeter Cathedral is light and airy, beneath a stone vault. The vaults extend from the west wall of the nave to the large east window at the end of the choir and large organ. (travellight/Shutterstock)
Looking closely at the magnificent pointed vaulted ceiling of Exeter Cathedral, you can see the elegant decorative ribs supporting the stone vault, and the ends of the ribs meet on the round relief. This style of vaulting is called “intermediate rib”. (Shutterstock)
A close-up shot of the decorative ribs on the pointed vaulted ceiling of Exeter Cathedral. (Shutterstock)

The Great East Window

Coming to the east end of the cathedral, visitors can admire the beautiful Lady Chapel, which was formerly the cathedral library and has a collection of nearly 5,000 books. Inside there is a stunning stained glass window decorated in Gothic style.

The Great East Window displays beautiful medieval stained glass. The flower windows are located above the two arches of the main altar of the Church of Our Lady and depict religious figures and noble families. The exquisite rose window has circular shapes, flower patterns and medieval stained glass. The glass depicts 19 figures and many coats of arms.

The photo shows the Lady Chapel at the east end of Exeter Cathedral, which has a stunning stained glass window in Gothic style. (travellight/Shutterstock)
The large east window of Exeter Cathedral is located above the two arches of the main altar of the Lady Church, displaying beautiful medieval stained glass depicting religious figures and noble families. The exquisite stained glass windows feature circles, floral patterns and medieval glass depicting 19 figures and many coats of arms. (Shutterstock)

The Grand Organ

The great organ located above the central pulpit is the most unique feature of Exeter Cathedral. The pulpit is a huge screen that separates the choir from the main altar. The organ was built by John Loosemore in 1665 and is equipped with more than 4,000 sound pipes. It has been continuously modified over the centuries to meet the musical needs of the cathedral.

The grand organ is located above the central pulpit. The pulpit is a large screen that separates the choir from the main altar. (Shutterstock)
Close-up photo of Exeter Cathedral’s grand organ. (Shutterstock)

The Astronomical Clock

The Exeter Astronomical Clock dates back to 1484 and was a clock that operated according to the understanding of the solar system at that time. The Earth is at the center, represented by a stationary golden ball, with the Moon and Sun revolving around it. The ball in the middle moon circle and the black lily disk representing the sun in the outer circle are transformed into hands, pointing out the lunar calendar date and time of the day respectively. The Latin translation below the main dial means, “The hours pass and are reckoned to our account.” In addition, it is said that the ticking sound of the famous British nursery rhyme “Hickory Dickory Dock” simulates the sound of this astronomical clock.

The Exeter Astronomical Clock was a clock that operated according to the solar system as it was understood at the time. The Earth is at the center, represented by a stationary golden ball, with the Moon and Sun revolving around it. The ball in the middle moon circle and the black lily disk representing the sun in the outer circle are transformed into hands, pointing out the lunar calendar date and time of the day respectively. (Shutterstock)