Become a friend of the Cathedral
Friends of the Cathedral permanent roll book
Friends Brochure
Help to Preserve Exeter Cathedral - become a Friend!
An application form is available for download here.
In AD 1114 Bishop Warelwast began the building of the Norman Cathedral, with its two massive towers, which was consecrated in 1133 and completed in 1200. A further phase began in 1275 when the building was remodelled from east to west with flying buttresses, well-lit aisles, Gothic vaulting and the West Front image screen. This work was completed by Bishop Grandisson (1327-1369).
The cost of running and maintaining this historic building increases every year and this has to be funded from charges, donations, legacies , etc.
The Friends is a charitable organisation founded in 1929 to co-operate with the Dean and Chapter in helping to preserve and improve the fabric and furnishings of this wonderful building, with its ministry and music, and so plays an invaluable part in ensuring the long tradition of worship and praise continues well into the future.
Membership of the Friends is very widespread. Members not only come from the diocese, but from all over England and indeed from all over the world. They join to establish a link with this fine Cathedral and make regular financial contributions towards its upkeep.
All Friends of the Cathedral receive a December Newsletter followed by an Annual Report in May which, in addition to articles relating to the life of the Cathedral, gives information on current projects, members news, and details of the annual Friends' Festival in June.
The names of all Friends are recorded in the permanent Roll Book which is displayed in the Cathedral.
Financial support given by the
Friends since 1929
1st 25-years: £ 16,497 (2009 value £ 520,770)
2nd 25-years: £129,937 (2009 value £1,117,416)
3rd 25-years: £1,821,835 (2009 value £2,692,685)
In current value over £4,500,000 has been given
for major projects such as:
External and Internal restoration and cleaning
Roof Repairs Heating, Lighting and Sound
North and South Towers Chapter House
Bells and Clock Library and Archives
Organ and music Nave Podium and Staging
New Fire Detector and Alarm system
In 2009 the 80th anniversary of the Friends of Exeter Cathedral was celebrated. Throughout those 80 years the Friends have given consistent and very valuable support to the Dean and Chapter for the whole of the Cathedral's life, mission and building.
Each year, this support covers nearly 10% of our expenditure across a wide range of the things we need to do. Over the last year, the Friends have brought the Eastern Chapels stonework to a conclusion, funded essential work to the south nave aisle roof and enabled us to begin work on the roofs of the south quire aisle and the Lady Chapel. In addition to over £70,000 worth of building related work, they have provided support for many other aspects of our on-going mission, including the new website and some very good audio-visual equipment.
If you are thinking of joining the Friends, can I assure you that you would become part of a group who make a very significant contribution to the ongoing care of this beautiful building and to the continuing life and mission of the Cathedral. Thank you for considering it.
Jonathan Meyrick Dean of Exeter
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