The Lady Chapel
The first part of the Cathedral to be completed and consecrated for worship was the Lady Chapel. The style of this lovely Chapel, which stands at the far south east corner of the Cathedral, is more elaborate than the main body of the Cathedral in a way which reflects its date and the influence of G F Bodley who was, at that time, working with the Cathedral architect.
In a band of ornately carved lettering running right around the walls are the famous words from St. John’s Gospel. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (Ch 3. V. 16)
A beautiful 15th Century statue of the Virgin Mary by Giovanni Della Robbia is a focus for devotion in the sanctuary of the Chapel. A recent donation has enabled the Chapter to commission a complementary ‘babe in swaddling clothes’ as the focus for Mary’s gaze and the two pieces can now be seen together. There is a strong sense of tranquillity in the Chapel, which encourages visitors to sit for a short time of quietness, prayer or reflective contemplation.
The Chapel has its own organ (built by Henry Willis and Sons) and is regularly used for worship and for wedding and funeral services.
The portrait windows of Noble Women on the West wall of the Chapel are well known. Restored after the Second World War they show women from different areas of life, including some local heroes like Kitty Wilkinson - helper of the poor - and Agnes Jones - a devoted nurse - as well as nationally known figures such as Grace Darling, Elizabeth Fry and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
If you are visiting the Cathedral you are most welcome to walk down into the Lady Chapel to see it. Wheelchair users are able to enjoy a grand view of the reredos and principal windows from a balcony directly opposite the altar. This position also gives a good vantage point for seeing the newly restored window depicting the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, which was storm damaged and almost collapsed on the 8th January 2005.
