Saint Paul's Cathedral!

Discussion in 'The Commons' started by Stalwart, May 21, 2021.

  1. Stalwart

    Stalwart Well-Known Member Anglican

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    It takes my breath away, every time I see it.

    Saint-Pauls-Cathedral-Wallpapers.jpg
     
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  2. PDL

    PDL Well-Known Member Anglican

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    I have never stayed in London, only passed through it or attended meetings there for a day. I have never visited St. Paul's Cathedral. I would certainly like to as my mother has, and she was very impressed. I once had time to pop into Westminster Abbey but declined to pay the exorbitant entrance fee they wanted.

    I wonder who those men are in the photograph who look like cardinals in everyday choir dress.
     
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  3. Legion

    Legion Member

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    St Paul's is wonderful and also a far better view of London from the top of the Dome than from the ferris wheel, if slightly more difficult to reach.

    Best way to see any Cathedral that charges is to go to a service, but be prepared to be ushered out unceremoniously afterwards (I'm looking at you, Westminster Abbey!), except at Canterbury Cathedral; they are very courteous. I went to an 8am mass at Canters once and the vergers let me wander the crypt afterwards, even though the Cathedral wasn't open until 9. Much appreciated.

    Westminster Cathedral (RC) doesn't charge.
     
  4. PDL

    PDL Well-Known Member Anglican

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    The best cathedral I have visited with regards to these things is Ripon. I like the town itself and the entire area. We had a friend in the area who has sadly died so we no longer get there as often as we once did. Ripon Cathedral did not charge an entry fee. Someone always greeted us but never mentioned money and no one ever pestered us for money. It is not the most outstanding of cathedrals architecturally but we liked it as we could go in for free and were able to look round without ever being pestered by anybody.

    I know of only one C of E cathedral besides Ripon that does not charge an entry fee. There may, of course, be others. As far as I am aware no Roman Catholic cathedral in England charges. I wish ours did not.
     
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  5. Legion

    Legion Member

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    I think St Albans is still voluntary, and Leicester, and I am not sure about Durham. It is so long since I visited either!
     
  6. PDL

    PDL Well-Known Member Anglican

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    No Durham isn't free any more. There was a charge when we went. I paid because I have always wanted to visit it. The worst for me was Chester where we queued up to pay like we were entering a theme park!:disgust:
     
  7. Legion

    Legion Member

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    Cuthbert would not be pleased! :(
     
  8. Stalwart

    Stalwart Well-Known Member Anglican

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    That's a great idea for next time I'm in Great Britain. I didn't know that the commonfolk were allowed into the Dome!
     
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  9. Silvan

    Silvan Active Member

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    Saint Paul's also plays a role here.
     
  10. Legion

    Legion Member

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    Yes, you can climb either to the Whispering Gallery, or else right to the top of the dome. It's a great view! I think there is a charge but it is worth it.
     
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  11. PDL

    PDL Well-Known Member Anglican

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    Is that the only way up? I do not believe I could make the climb. I wonder if anyone has complained about the restriction this has on disabled people.
     
  12. Legion

    Legion Member

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    I'm afraid so. There is disabled access to the Cathedral itself, and to the Crypt below, but I am not sure if it covers the dome.
     
  13. PDL

    PDL Well-Known Member Anglican

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    I wonder if they'd let me fly a drone up there:D Although it still wouldn't be a first-hand experience.