by Helen Kain | Jun 22, 2025 | Cathedral Tapestry, Cathedrals
Forty-two cathedrals, ten years, and one curious Canadian I didn’t set out to build a catalogue of cathedrals. Or stately homes. Or rebellious reformers. Or ecclesiastical power plays. I just liked beautiful places. It began with a trip to Devon and a visit to...
by Helen Kain | May 18, 2023 | Cathedral Tapestry
In April of 1536, the 27th year of King Henry VIII’s 38-year reign, more than 800 monasteries, nunneries and friaries were nestled across England — communities of prayer and devotion for abbots, monks, priors and nuns who provided sanctuary, tended the sick and...
by Helen Kain | May 16, 2023 | Cathedral Tapestry
Previous post in the series: The Victorians to the Rescue New dioceses and their cathedrals continued to appear in the 20th century, though the pace of restoration of earlier cathedrals slowed. And people being people, arguments over preferred styles continued. George...
by Helen Kain | May 16, 2023 | Cathedral Tapestry
Previous post in the Series: Dissolution and Decline As the Industrial Revolution took hold, the general population saw a sustained rise in income and living standards for the first time in history. People flocked to newly industrialised towns in the North of...
by Helen Kain | May 16, 2023 | Cathedral Tapestry
Previous post in the series: The Dizzying Heights of Perpendicular Gothic The Norman King William the Conqueror launched the great English medieval Cathedral, and Tudor King Henry VIII wrought its end. Incandescent with rage at the Pope’s refusal to annul his...
by Helen Kain | May 16, 2023 | Cathedral Tapestry
Previous Post in the series: Decorated Gothic While Edward III remodelled his murdered father’s tomb at Gloucester in 1330 to create a more fitting memorial, the Decorated Gothic period was drawing to a close. Perpendicular Gothic, which followed, moved the...
