This afternoon visitors to the Cathedral had the chance to see some of the less visited parts of the Cathedral site, with two 'behind the scenes' tours and a chance to 'meet the bells'. The bell tower was a very popular venue, with a large number of people climbing the stairs to try their hand at bellringing and to see the view from the tower. Fortunately it was a very clear afternoon and the views were stunning.
The behind the scenes tours included a chance to see some of the vestments and other objects kept in the sacristy, to see how we use incense and to see inside Cathedral House. Visitors were also taken into the old convent (now the Pastoral Centre, housing diocesan offices) to see its wonderful staircase; it was designed by local architects Paley and Austin, who were responsible for building the Cathedral within a few years of the convent opening. On the first floor there is an indoor 'cloister' surrounding the staircase, as the convent had no outdoor equivalent.
This afternoon visitors to the Cathedral had the chance to see some of the less visited parts of the Cathedral site, with two 'behind the scenes' tours and a chance to 'meet the bells'. The bell tower was a very popular venue, with a large number of people climbing the stairs to try their hand at bellringing and to see the view from the tower. Fortunately it was a very clear afternoon and the views were stunning.
The behind the scenes tours included a chance to see some of the vestments and other objects kept in the sacristy, to see how we use incense and to see inside Cathedral House. Visitors were also taken into the old convent (now the Pastoral Centre, housing diocesan offices) to see its wonderful staircase; it was designed by local architects Paley and Austin, who were responsible for building the Cathedral within a few years of the convent opening. On the first floor there is an indoor 'cloister' surrounding the staircase, as the convent had no outdoor equivalent.
