St Annes Cathedral, Leeds:

Extensive restoration and refurbishment works commenced in 2005 to include masonry repairs, the lifting and replacement of stone floors to include the installation of an under floor heating system, minor roofing repairs and the re-ordering of some internal fixtures.

The Cathedral had been closed (apart from the Chapter room) whilst work was in progress but was completed in time for the annual Bishop’s Conference in November 2006.

Preparing the plinth stones for the cathedra

The new cathedra in front of the re-furbished Reredos and decorative panels

St. Annes Cathedral

Photographs by Ken Shelton

St Anne’s was raised to Cathedral status in 1878 upon the creation of the Diocese of Leeds however due to the City’s development plans, the original cathedral was demolished and a new one rebuilt just yards from the existing church, at the junction of Cookridge Street and Great George Street.

Construction of the present Cathedral began in the autumn of 1901 and was completed in the early part of 1904. The Cathedral’s architect was Leeds born John Henry Eastwood who together with his assistant produced an outstanding design in the Arts and Crafts neo-Gothic style.

The reredos, relocated from the original church is thought to have been designed by E W Pugin.

For further information on the Cathedral, click on the following link:

www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk