We have placed this virtual geocache here to encourage you to visit this impressive and historic building. Please take advantage of the opportunity to stay a while look around and try to imagine how medieval citizens would have regarded a building such as this. It is still awe inspiring even today (entry is free).
The cathedral is built on the site of a Saxon church, evidence of which was uncovered in 1900 when extensions to the east end were made. A church in Wakefield is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and a Norman church was built shortly afterwards. The Norman church was rebuilt in 1329, and apart from the tower and spire, rebuilt and enlarged in 1469. The church was reconstructed and altered at various times and its spire, damaged in a violent gale, was renewed in 1823. Up to the 16th century the church was known by the Anglo Saxon "All Hallows" and after the Reformation changed to "All Saints".
All Saints Church was largely rebuilt in the Perpendicular Gothic style in the early 15th century. The Perpendicular Gothic period (or simply Perpendicular) is the third historical division of EnglishGothic Architecture and is so-called because it is characterised by an emphasis on vertical lines. In 1888, the Diocese of Wakefield was created and All Saints Church became the cathedral of the diocese. It still serves as a parish church, meaning that until 2000 the head of the chapter of canons was called the provost rather than the dean. The Treacy Hall built in memory of Bishop Eric Treacy was completed in 1982 and was added by the then Cathedral Architect, Peter Marshall, he also added the linking offices in the 1990s. Wakefield Cathedral has a magnificent historic fabric spanning over 900 years and is one of Yorkshire's greatest churches.
In 2012 the cathedral, with £1.58 million of Heritage Lottery funding had raised £2.5 million to restore and reorder the nave which has been cleared of its oak pews to create an open space for worship, public events and celebrations.The cathedral is well worth a visit when it is open (which is most of the time during the day) and will surprise you as you enter with its immense interior space, it seems much bigger when you are inside than when looking at it from the street.
This is a Virtual Geocache and there is nothing physical to search for; you simply have to demonstrate that you have visited the location in order to claim the "Find". To do that send an email or message to the Cache Owner with the answer to the following question. "By how long did Anne survive her husband Charles?" You could also post a photo of you at the south entrance, but not essential.
The Cathedral has frequent lunchtime concerts which are free so it might be something to bear in mind when planning your visit - look at the Wakefield Cathedral Website for details.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.