Durham Cathedral in the moonlight..

A familiar sight to both medieval royalty and commoners alike our Cathedrals soar above us, centuries old,  constant, enduring, and kind of  reassuring.   There is nothing more thrilling as you approach a cathedral city than the first glimpse of their cathedral appearing on the horizon.   So to all that toiled to build these wonders – some of whom would have lost their lives – the architects, artisans, workmen, carpenters, stonemasons, labourers, roofers and any I have forgotten, thank you, bravo, we salute you.

As we draw to the end of the year, and thank God for that, here are some of the best of the stunning  photos of the year mostly from the Association of English Cathedrals although some are from other sources.

A tantalizing glimpse of  Norwich Cathedral through an ancient gateway.

This wonderful view of ‘Lincoln breaking through the mist…..’ Thanks to Adrian Fox for this wonderful photo..

Worcester Cathedral at night..

The Pipes of Rochester Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral…no words needed

Fan vaulting Henry VII’s Lady Chapel Westminster Abbey

Censing Angel – one of four.  Westminster Abbey.  Described as ‘supreme examples of English medieval art’.  From ‘The Glory of Westminster Abbey’.

A mysterious door beckons at the top of these well worn steps at Wells….

Winchester –  sublime

Peterborough..

Lincoln soars above the city rooftops 

Another view of Lincoln .  Photo reposted from @italiangirlabroad

Lichfield at night..

Wakefield…

York Minster by moonlight.

Gloucester…

St Edmundsbury

Norwich at night.

Wells Cathedral Library..

Ely Cathedral..

Hereford…reflected in the rain swept pavement. Photographer unknown. 

Peterborough…….

And last but not least, thanks to all the Cathedral cats who keep the pews warm for us, keep the mices away and can be relied upon to always provide a warm welcome:

One of the Cathedral Cats.   This is Louie of Wells.  Sadly passed away last year.  

The Construction of the Tower of Babel.  German.  Unknown artist..

If you liked this post you might like

Cheyneygates, Westminster Abbey Elizabeth Woodville’s pied-à-terre

Canterbury Cathedral and the Royal Window

The Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone.