Summary : Formerly St Martin's Church. A 12th century church much restored during the 19th century, has been a cathedral since 1927. It was probably extant in 1107. The Guild of Corpus Christi was founded there in 1343, and the Guild of St George is first documented there in 1499. Both had ceased by 1550.The earliest church was cruciform with a central tower. An outer South aisle was added in the early 14th century. In the early 15th century the church was rebuilt and North and South chapels added. The spire was removed in 1737. In the last half of the 19th century, the church was extensively restored. The tower was replaced by JR Brandon 1861-7, the South aisle is by JL Pearson, the South porch of 1897 by GF Bodley, the North aisle and porch was restored by GE Street. It was restored by Temple Moore betwen 1918-1926. The church became collegiate in 1926 and in 1927 became the cathedral for the Diocese of Leicester. Sir Charles Nicholson was the architect for the cathedral.The cathedral now has a plan of nave, chancel, Northj and double South aisle, North and South porches and chapels, central tower and sacristy. |