Derby Cathedral, Anglican cathedral in Derby, England
Derby Cathedral is an Anglican church in Derby that combines Gothic and Neoclassical elements beneath a central tower rising 65 meters (213 feet) into the air. Twelve animal figures decorate the exterior walls of this tower, giving the building an unusual silhouette above the city.
A church has stood here since 943, when King Edmund I founded the original building. Architect James Gibbs completely redesigned the structure in 1725, and the former All Saints Church gained its status as a cathedral in 1927.
The tower houses the oldest set of ten bells anywhere in the world, with several cast in 1678, embodying centuries of English ringing tradition. These bells still sound regularly for services and special occasions, shaping the rhythm of city life around them.
The building opens its doors daily for visitors and services, with guided tours explaining the architectural features and monuments inside. Anyone wishing to climb the tower should expect a long staircase and good weather conditions.
A family of peregrine falcons has nested on the tower since 2000, turning the site into a favorite spot for wildlife watchers. Regular sightings also draw visitors who might otherwise show little interest in historical buildings.
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