Free tours for Heritage Open Days at Exeter Cathedral

Heritage Open Days tours of Exeter Cathedral

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Exclusive, FREE tours from the 13th-20th September 2019

Monday 16th
10.00 The Medieval Stained Glass of Exeter Cathedral 45mins
This tour looks at the windows that have survived the Reformation & Civil War. We’ll discuss the special qualities of medieval glass; the fabrication and restoration of the windows, and the glaziers involved. Containing the earliest documented stained glass in the country, Exeter Cathedral boasts a proud heritage. (Binoculars an advantage)

Monday 16th
14.00 Grandisson – ‘The Man and His Chapel’ 45mins
A 45 minute guided tour to learn about our famous Bishop Grandisson who was instrumental in revising the important services of the Cathedral and completing the rebuilding in Gothic style.

Tuesday 17th
10.00 Corbels of the Cathedral 60mins
Learn more about the highly decorative projections at the top of the pillars supporting the vault above (known as corbels). Among them are many fascinating images: kings and queens, musicians and a tumbler, green men and even a dragon! (Binoculars an advantage)

Tuesday 17th
14.00 The West Front and its Image Screen 60mins
Exeter’s iconic West Front Image Screen, an inspired afterthought: when was it built; who do all the figures represent; what damage has occurred over the years; what restoration and conservation has been carried out? All will be revealed.

Wednesday 18th
10.00 Inspiring Women in the Cathedral 60mins
Learn in more detail some of the fascinating stories behind some of the most important and notable women in the Cathedral’s 900 year history.

Wednesday 18th
14.00 The Cathedral in The Blitz 45mins
During May 1942 the city of Exeter was subject to a major devastating bombing raid as part of the Second World War. This tour looks in detail at the preparation for enemy action and how the Cathedral became a beacon in the chaos of war.

Thursday 19th
10.00 Exeter Cathedral – Links to Slavery 60mins
In the 1830s, when slavery was abolished, British slave-owners (but not those enslaved!) were awarded compensation. This tour will highlight some of the memorial plaques in the Cathedral that have a direct link to slavery.

Thursday 19th
14.00 Cathedral Quirks and Oddities 90mins
The Cathedral is full of humorous and quirky details and this tour looks at some of the more well-known ones, as well as some that even regular visitors may have missed!

Friday 20th
10.00 History of The Chapter House 45mins
This tour looks in detail at the history of the Chapter House and the crucial role this space has played in the overall function of the Cathedral.

Friday 20th
14.00 Notable Tombs and Monuments 60mins
Exeter Cathedral is rich with tombs and monuments, some relating to the great and the good (or not so good), some to the humble and ordinary, but all interesting and illustrative, as is the Cathedral itself, of one thousand years of English History. This tour will examine a cross-section of them.

All tours will meet at the Welcome Desk.

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