Leicester Cathedral

About

Leicester Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Martin, stands at the heart of Leicester’s historic centre as a magnificent exemplar of English Gothic architecture. The site dates back to the 12th‑century Norman chapel that grew into a Victorian‑era masterpiece, featuring a soaring 220‑foot spire added in 1867 and a richly ornamented interior that blends medieval detail with nineteenth‑century craftsmanship. The cathedral’s Grade II* listed status reflects its architectural and artistic heritage, from the intricate trumpet‑throne and carved woodwork to the famed East Window, a splendid late‑Victorian glass panel created by Henry Edward Ives. The site is best known as the final resting place of King Richard III. In 2015, his remains were reburied in a new stone tomb of caravans, a stone slab cut from Swaledale fossil limestone that now dominates the chancel. Visitors can view the tomb’s engraved coat of arms, the inscription “Loyalty binds me”, and the surrounding mosaics that depict the king’s life and reign. The chancel also houses temporary and permanent exhibitions on medieval art, and the cathedral’s three chapels—St Katharine’s, St Dunstan’s, and St George’s—offer intimate spaces for reflection and prayer. Beyond its historic interior, Leicester Cathedral offers a variety of cultural programmes and musical performances. The cathedral’s choir, comprising boys, girls, and adults, delivers regular evensongs, while the bell tower, home to thirteen bells, rings a peal each Sunday morning and Tuesday evening. The surrounding Cathedral Gardens, renovated in 2017, provide additional walking routes and historical plaques, making a visit a full day of heritage, music, and contemplation.

Highlights

• Richard III Tomb
• East Window
• Vaughan Porch
• Bell Tower
• Spire

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes