Carlisle Cathedral’s East Window named as “Nation’s Favourite”
Carlisle Cathedral’s East Window named as “Nation’s Favourite”
Carlisle Cathedral’s East Window has been named the Nation’s Favourite Stained Glass Window, in the Divine Light social media campaign and competition organised by the Association of English Cathedrals (AEC).
The campaign ran from the beginning of Advent into the New Year and featured a stained-glass window from each of the 42 English Cathedrals on the AEC’s social media platforms. The number of likes on each post were counted, and the top 12 were placed into the final, with members of the public asked to vote for their favourite on the AEC website.
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said “I am delighted that our wonderful East Window has been voted England’s favourite! I hope that many people will come to Carlisle Cathedral to see it in person. For many of us it has played a central part in our lives: whether through concerts, services or visits.”
“The combination of the ancient glass at the top and the wonderful Victorian depictions of Jesus’ life, all set beneath our starry ceiling means you truly get a glimpse of heaven inside the Cathedral.”
“Thank you to so many people for voting for it and I look forward to welcoming you here.”
In celebration of the competition win, Carlisle Cathedral are delighted to announce a new guided tour, Sacred Light: The Stained Glass of Carlisle Cathedral, which will take place for the first time on Saturday 21 February. This 40‑minute guided experience offers a rare chance to explore some of the finest and most distinctive glass in the country.
Led by one of our expert guides, the tour highlights the cathedral’s extraordinary collection, focusing on the four remarkable cardinal‑point windows designed by John Hardman Powell, an unparalleled feature in any English medieval cathedral, and the much‑loved Veronica Whall window located in the Cathedral Shop.
As you move through the building, you’ll discover how these windows illuminate centuries of craftsmanship, devotion, and evolving artistic taste. From Powell’s bold and expressive Victorian designs, celebrated nationally, with two of his windows making the recent competition’s top twelve, to Whall’s richly symbolic Arts and Crafts masterpiece, the tour reveals the stories, meanings, and artistry behind these treasures.
Limited tickets are on sale now at www.carlislecathedral.org.uk/tickets.
The Divine Light campaign was inspired by the latest volume of the same name by Janet Gough, OBE, author, lecturer and advisor on historic churches and cathedrals. The book is available in the Carlisle Cathedral Gift Shop, open Mondays – Saturdays, 10am – 4pm.
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