Friends of
Exeter Cathedral

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, some of which dates back to the 12th century, with its ministry and music. The Friends therefore play an invaluable part in ensuring the long tradition of worship, praise and community activity continues well into the future.

Excellence requires ongoing financial stability and providing continuing substantial annual funding (£325k) this includes, for the six Stone Masons and their work, the Choral Scholars and Library & Archives.

In recent years, the Friends have helped to fund projects such as:

  • New Quire Lighting (£126k) 
  • Vestry Roof renovations (£116k)
  • Publication of Cathedral Archaeological Studies (£6k)
  • The Friends’ Cloister Gallery (£1m)
  • The Quire Jubilee Pavement (£133.5k)
  • ‘Brewer Door’ work and South Quire Scaffolding (£110k) 
  • Chapter House Lighting (£128k)
  • Exceptional Grant to the Cathedral at the start of COVID (£250k)
  • COVID Special Appeal Grant from Members to the Cathedral (£42k)

Help to Preserve Exeter Cathedral – become a Friend!

Membership of the Friends is widespread and inclusive. Members come not only from the diocese of Devon, but from all over England and indeed the world. They join to establish a link with this outstanding Cathedral and make financial contributions permitting the many projects and activities funded by the Friends.

Benefits of Membership

  • Free entry to the Cathedral for members and a guest (during normal visitor hours)
  • A discount of 10% in the shop
  • A discount of 10% on food and drink purchases from the café and 1050 coffee van
  • Copies of our Annual Report and Newsletter, published in May and November respectively, which, in addition to articles relating to the life of the Cathedral, give information on current projects, members news, and details of the annual Friends’ Day held in June each year
  • Participation in Friends’ Day events and AGM attendance
  • Participation in other Friends events, including talks and study sessions

Joining the Friends of Exeter Cathedral

Annual Membership
Individual: £15
Joint: £20
Life Membership
Individual (under 60): £300 Joint (under 60): £400
Individual (over 60): £200 Joint (over 60): £250

The Friends Office

Office Manager: Peter Privett

West Wing Offices, The Palace, Exeter, EX1 1HY
Telephone: 01392 423931

The office is open from 9am – 1pm, Monday-Thursday

Registered Charity No. 207096
Patron: His Majesty The King 
Chair: Dr Rosemary Yallop

Download the Privacy Policy for the Friends of Exeter Cathedral