The word cathedra means seat of a Bishop and the building of Exeter’s began in 1112 on ground that had been used by a religious community since the 7th century. These are the organ pipes, the biggest is 11 metres tall.
The Exeter Astronomical Clock dates from the 15th century and always fascinated me as a child. 
With its complicated workings. 
With angels watching over them, a monument to the 2nd Earl and Countess of Devon, from the 14th century.
A section of tapestry on a bench
and another tomb, this one 19th century, the Macdonalds from the isle of Skye.
An 18th century clergyman
Some little details that I like
This stone screen or pulpitum was built between 1317 and 1325
and the view through is of the Quire.
Above the Quire is the organ in a 17th century case
My favourite part of the cathedral has always been the lady Chapel but today I couldn’t take photos because of a service so this one is courtesy of © Copyright Neil Kennedy and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
A view of the pulpit with the organ in the background
and the detail of the pulpit
Looking high
Some ceiling bosses
The West Front Window
and I saved the best until last, the vault was created as a vision of heaven in the Tierceron style. St Peters has the longest continuous medieval vault in the world, around 96 metres.
So what do you think of Exeter’s glorious cathedral?
I’m adding this photo for http://beeblu.wordpress.com/category/home/ sorry its not very good but you can read a little more about the clock!
I expressed my love of Exeter Cathedral here before and these photos just confirm that love! Thank you Gilly!
Thank You Julia! A couple of weeks ago I posted a pic from my android, very happy because there was no scaffolding – surprise yesterday it was back! Annoying because I’d hoped to get a better quality exterior shot.
you’ve composed a great tribute to Exeter Cathedral!
Thanks Frizz its a great place!
All I can say is WOW!!! The architecture of today just doesn’t compare to the days of old!
I agree and the stone masonry skills are disappearing fast!
What a fantastic set of photographs showing off the wonderful architecture. They just don’t create buildings like to used to. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for visiting Daniel 🙂
Exeter Cathedral is an Anglican Church, yeah? Many of the Roman Catholic churches built in New England during the 1700-1800s were modeled after European cathedrals, and they are exquisite in architecture and design. However, there’s nothing built in the last 75yrs that can compare! Even the stained glass windows of current times, while elaborate, detailed, and expensive, are no match for the real thing as your lovely photos attests!
Thank you for sharing this!!!
It is yes! I agree, although there are some striking modern buildings including places of worship few can compete with the historic ones. Thanks for coming round honey, have a good day!
My grandmother’s younger sister and her husband were Friends of Exeter Cathedral. Every Christmas, the card would be a view of it. Had we kept them all we would have had an unparalleled collection.
Wouldn’t they just? 🙂 and have you ever visited the cathedral?
Yes, several times. It is very lovely.
Such stunning artwork and architecture hon. Beautiful shots. 🙂
*hugs*
Thanks honey, I only captured a very small part of it!
How beautiful!
Thanks honey 🙂
I was like you in awe of THE clock as a child, and will always love the feel and majesty of Exeter Cathedral. Your beautiful photos contain the love and beauty of the place , superb. Thank you xx
Thanks sweetie! I went onto the roof once, wish I’d had a camera then, did you ever go up?
Fabulous photos. What a magnificent cathedral.
There are bigger and grander ones I’m sure but there is something very special about this one.
Absolutely unbelievable. Love, love, LOVE the photos. Thanks so much!
Ah I wish I could show you more honey, I knew you would love it 🙂
It’s definitely extravagant and beautiful to the eye 🙂
It is amazing, thanks for visiting 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
This cathedral is truly a work of art. I doubt it would be affordable today.
No way not in my little city anyway! you would love it!
I know I would love it. The architectural features are ‘heavenly’. 😉
Magnificent – your photos provide a wonderful armchair tour. I would love to take a closer look at the astronomical clock
If you pop back I’ve added some info for you! 🙂
BEAUTIFUL! Some very beautiful photos of patterns and design. This cathedral is wonderful.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks Francine its a very special place!
Just beautiful! I never tire of church architecture and interiors….one of the best places to get a good picture too (which is obvious by this post!)
Great job, Gilly!
anne
Thanks Anne, I do love it there and have since i was a little girl!
What beautiful pictures, and I love the details you’ve drawn our attention too. I used to live in Exeter and had forgotten how beautiful the cathedral is. Thank you for the reminder ..
I’m very happy to have brought you back!
Thumbs up Gilly Nice work 🙂
Cheers Jake!
Wow. Great photos Gilly. The clock is definitely fascinating. I’m inspired to look up more information about it. The organ was of particular interest to me as well. I’ve been an organist most of my life, and was a church organist and choir director for several years. I’ve played a number of pipe organs, but I don’t think I’ve ever sat down to one with pipes that huge.
When i was there the choir were singing, just fabulous! How wonderful to be musical,you have so many strings to your bow 🙂
You live in such an ethereal place to be able to visit and photograph such truly rich and glorious sites.
I’m very lucky to live here. We often fail to notice our own surroundings in our craving to travel don’t we?
My word, Gilly. Every shot looks so so good. The overview of that last picture must have had you trigger you that will to go on details with this cathedral, which is no wonder because it really shows so much intricacy to the designs. Really great piece, Gilly.
Hey where have you been lately I’ve missed you? I love the new look on your blog, I haven’t been getting notifications of your posts. Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂
Truly an amazing space, and some amazing photos
I’m glad you like it and i barely scratched the surface, it’s so lovely. Thanks for visiting!
what incredible photos Gilly. When I saw the first one of the organ it looked asit were suspended and I was like – OMG…I could spend hours in a building like that
Thanks Jo, yes you would love it. I was there for a couple of hours on Saturday and I’ve been countless times before. I’m quite proud of the photo of the vaults!
you should be proud…of all the photos Gilly…they are all so moving
Lovely photos.I can see how it’s been a place that’s always been important to you. After me and Steve got married at Exeter Registry Office in 78, (gosh) we all tramped through the cathedral and I made my promises to God without anyone knowing except my Mum.DYWTKT?
BTW a wonderful old lady used to give our daughter Charlotte free piano lessons. She had a collection of books which she gave to me “because I know you’ll find them a good home.” Dorothy died over fifteen years ago, but she’d be pleased to know that I’ve now found a good home for the first edition of “The Story of Exeter Cathedral” by Arthur Huxley Thompson MA (1933 Raphael Tuck & Sons) (wot no IBSN) … next time we meet up, I’ll bring it along
Mon xx
Dear Mon, I’m glad you liked my post and thrilled you love the cathedral and that you came by! the book sounds like treasure too. Be lovely to catch up with you and Nell too!
Stunning interior
I wish I could do it justice!
Stunning post, Gilly, so glad you linked back to it so I could enjoy this. What a spectacular cathedral – and I adore that photo of the hands. xxx
Just WOW! That vault is indeed glorious! Thanks for linking to this post Gilly.
Really glad to know that this is your top post of 2013. 😀
I think Exeter Cathedral is stupendous! Loved that vault shot – how did you get it? And I have a shot of my brother-in-law with his hand inside one of those organ pipes. It would be very moving to attend a service there –
I have once when I was a young girl and I’ve also been up on the roof, before I had a camera, the bells were amazing and the view! The vault shot, by bending my neck into a shape it didn’t like!!! I’m so happy that you like the cathedral, I’m very proud of my city.
Good to see the hickery dickery dock clock! I was taken on a tour above the nave as a child….very memorable! Thank you!
This is not only a fantastic and exquisite cathedral, but your pictures captured it beautifully! I love cathedrals and this one is awesome. I HAVE to visit your part of the world one day…
I’m simply stunned. And suitably rest my case. 🙂