Take a virtual tour of Saint Columb's Cathedral, Londonderry
History of St Columb's Cathedral, Derry City
St Columb's Cathedral stands on a prominent site within the historic "Derry's Walls",and is Derry's/Londonderry's oldest building, being completed in 1633 in the Planter's Gothic stylehaving . The Cathedral is a landmark, which speaks to citizen and visitor alike of much in the history of the City and represents a commodity of infinite spiritual value in the development of this area.
Dedicated to the name of Saint Columba (Columb), the Ulster monk, who established a Christian settlement here in the sixth century. The historic cathedral has a small museum with pictures and artefacts open daily to visitors.
This Cathedral was built in by William Parrot for The Honourable, The Irish Society and is in the Planter Gothic style. The tower and main building are original. The present spire was added in 1821. The Chancel was added in 1887 and the Chapter House in 1910.
The Cathedral was built of stone from local quarries and skilled stone cutters and masons had to be procured. The old pillars and arches bear testimony to sound judgement and first-rate craftsmanship.The Cathedral has many fine stained glass windows, regimental flags, memorials and a large collection of historical items from the time of the siege. The foundation stone in the porch, originally from the 12th Century Templemore Monastery of the Columban tradition is inscribed:
if stones could speake then London’s prayse should
sounde who built this church and cittie from the grounde
Vaughan aed
The peal of eight bells is the oldest set in Ireland, presented by Charles 1, in 1638.
