£3.9m for Durham Cathedral
HLF’s investment will enable the display of original 13th-century copies of the Magna Carta alongside other artefacts in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the charter in 2015. The Monks’ Dormitory and Great Kitchen, some of the most intact medieval monastic rooms in England, will be restored to house an exhibition showcasing the history of the cathedral and its monastic community. These spaces will be linked via a new gallery, to be created in a hidden void between existing medieval buildings and forming a new visitor route around what is the most complete set of medieval claustral buildings that remain in the UK today.

£2.5m for Peterborough Cathedral
This money will fund a more welcoming entrance to the 13th-century early English Gothic west front and help display the history of the building. The Grade I listed Knights’ Chamber, located in one of the finest abbey gatehouses in the country, was used by distinguished knights of the day as a meeting place to discuss their heraldic duties. It will be restored to house a new visitor and heritage centre and will open to the public by 2018 to mark the 900th anniversary of the cathedral.

Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said: “Cathedrals often represent the pinnacle of architectural ingenuity and craftsmanship and have been the setting for great moments in our history. They are appreciated by millions, regardless of faith or background, and they play a central role in the cultural, social and economic life of this country.

“Whether viewed as places of worship or commemoration, as physical manifestations of a shared history or as tourist attractions, cathedrals are amongst the most outstanding elements of the UK’s heritage.  The Heritage Lottery Fund’s investment will help conserve both these beautiful buildings and unlock their stories for future generations to enjoy.”
 
Ed Vaizey, UK Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, commented: “This investment will ensure that these cathedrals, a unique part of the UK’s heritage, will be restored in a way that not only preserves the past but also protects for future generations. The projects at Durham and Peterborough will allow visitors to experience and learn about fantastic periods in our history, and mark important anniversaries for both.”

Since 1995, HLF has invested nearly £70m in 58 cathedrals across the UK.

This year, HLF has awarded a number of grants to cathedrals, including:

• £10.5m to Winchester Cathedral for urgent works to the Presbytery roof and the overhaul of the public displays in the South Transept;
• £4.9m (initial support) to Guildford Cathedral for emergency conservation and community activities;
• £3.7m to Rochester Cathedral for conservation of its crypt and library and outreach programmes.

Further information

Please contact Katie Owen, HLF press office, on tel: 020 7591 6036, out of hours mobile: 07973 613820.