Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Monday 18 June 2012

Feast of Dedication of Birmingham Cathedral


Today is the feast of dedication of St Chad's Metropolitan Cathedral in Birmingham. Built in 1839-41 by A.W.N. Pugin, whose bicentenary is this year, it has served as the cathedral of the diocese since 1852 following the restoration of the hierarchy in 1850. Since 1941 it has had the status of a Minor Basilica - a dignity only held elsewhere in England now by Downside Abbey. There is an account of the cathedral here.

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The interior of the cathedral

Image: farm5.staticflickr.com

http://media.vam.ac.uk/media/thira/collection_images/2006BF/2006BF3140.jpg

The interior as designed by Pugin, complete with the Rood Screen - now at Holy Trinity Reading

Image:media.vam.ac.uk

http://www.theanglocatholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/4429531895_820b29a0b6_b.jpg

The modern Archiepiscopal throne in the style of Pugin
Image: theanglo-catholic.com

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