The story of a cathedral in Exeter begins in 1050, when Bishop Leofric was enthroned as the first bishop of Exeter. Outside the west front of the present Cathedral, an iron cross marks the location of the foundations of a large Anglo-Saxon church which are believed to be the remains of the building used as the first Exeter Cathedral. Work on a purpose-built cathedral in Exeter began in the early twelfth century. By the end of the next century this was being redeveloped and expanded, resulting in the Cathedral which stands today.
In the centuries since the building was completed, religious and political upheavals have left their mark in different ways and the use of the building is continually evolving. Today, teams of craftsmen work to maintain this larger complex building. A continual programme of work includes repairing or replacing worn and damaged stone and glass. The cathedral’s infrastructure (heating, lighting and sound) is also regularly maintained and updated.