Towers and bells

The Norman Towers 

The 12th century Norman or Romanesque towers are the oldest part of the  existing building and were originally surmounted by low pyramidal wooden spires. Built as four-walled towers the dividing wall was dismantled early in the Gothic rebuilding. The removal of the wall also necessitated the removal of a floor and the realignment of another, which is now hidden by the wooden vaults that were inserted to mimic the stone vault in the rest of the nave and quire. 

The North Tower 

In the north tower hangs the massive Peter bell. The only bell in the tower, it  is used as the clock bell, being struck on the outside by a hammer.

The South Tower 

The south tower houses the Cathedral‘s ring of 14 bells (though no more than 12 are ever rung at once). Bell ringers and visitors now gain access to the ringing chamber via the high roof. The bells are situated two floors above the ringing chamber and are not accessible to visitors.

The High Roof 

Before the insertion of the fire precautionary walls in the 1980s, it was possible to stand at the west end and look right through the roof void to the  circular window at the east end. The east end of this roof was started around 1300 and was completed by about 1340. Sometime during the 18th century  an attempt to replace some rafters caused the whole roof to move, so there is a distinct lean on the rafters, which are now two metres (6ft 7in) out of true.

Looking down from the roof of the north tower, one can see the effect this had on the crossing, which has been dragged out of shape.

The Aisle Roofs

The vaults of the north and south quire aisles are rather plain and their roofs  are unexceptional, sloping gently outwards, as one would expect. The nave  aisle roofs are quite another story.

The main purpose of the Gothic rebuilding was to let more light in. They therefore wanted the biggest windows possible. At the same time, they wanted to build cloisters to the south of the nave. These would have blocked the lower portion of the windows and as the upper limit was formed  by the clerestory they had the incredible idea of reversing the aisle roofs!  The aisle roofs over the west end of the cathedral actually slope inwards at a relatively steep angle. This means that the rainwater collects beneath the clerestory windows and has to be taken away by lead-lined wooden troughs that run through the inside of the roof void. The water from these internal gutters reaches the outside through lead pipes that can be seen underneath the tops of the huge buttresses at the lower level.

Guided Tours 

Although the roof space is not generally open to individuals, it is possible for groups of between six and 12 people to book guided tours via the Visitors' Officer. However, on Craft Fair days and Heritage Open Days it may be possible for members of the public to book tours. These are normally advertised in the local press and on this website.

If you intend to take part in a cathedral roof tour you should remember that:

• The minimum age for any person visiting the roof space is 18.
  If you have a heart complaint or breathing difficulties, or have a phobia or dislike associated with confined spaces, darkness, height or flying birds, this may not be for you.
  The maximum number of visitors in a group is 12. Latecomers will not be admitted as the door is locked behind the group.
  The tour could last up to two hours. Bear this in mind when planning an onward journey or paying for your parking.
  It is not possible to leave the group before the end of the tour other than for a medical emergency.
  You should wear old clothes and flat-heeled shoes. There are hundreds of steps and it is dusty in places.
  You should bring your camera. The views can be fantastic and the interior spaces are fascinating.

Enjoy your tour. It is the experience of a lifetime.

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