The grant will enable a dedicated education space to be created for the first time and employ specialist education and archives staff.

Through the project, a former archive space will be transformed into a brand new education and learning resource, whilst the part of the Bishop’s Palace ground floor of will host a library, research and display area.

A new centre for music development and participation will also be created in the West Wing.

Simon Timms, Chair of Heritage Lottery Fund South West Committee, said: “We at HLF are delighted to be able to support the Another Chapter project at Exeter Cathedral. For over 900 years, this remarkable building has been at the heart of the city, playing an important part of the lives of many generations of local people. With our support, this project will create new opportunities for visitors from near and far to discover more about its wonderful history and see for themselves what makes the cathedral such a special place.”

The Acting Dean, Canon Carl Turner explained the significance of the grant when he remarked, “The Cathedral is a place filled with stories but not only the stories of a faith community; it is a treasure-trove of memories, music, history and art. As part of the fabric of Devon life it is there for all generations and is part of our heritage. Our work with children, young people and adults is central to our vision of the Cathedral as a place of discovery. It is not just a heritage site and it is not a museum; it is a living community where all can become part of its history’.

He went on to say, “Our Education project is part of the Cathedral’s vision to make this place even more accessible and we are thrilled that the Heritage Lottery Fund have granted us this award. The value added to it by committed and expert colleagues at the Cathedral will be huge and I really believe that it will not only make a difference to the experience of schools and colleges that visit us, but will open up a network of life-long learning to the benefit of the County of Devon”

Further information

Roland Smith at the Heritage Lottery fund, on 020 7591 6047 / 07713 48 64 20 or rolands@hlf.org.uk