61. SOUTH TRANSEPT ITEMS

The crest at left with ‘God is my hope’ has connections to the founding of Cotton Town which included Blackburn. The large Madonna and Child is an enlarged reproduction of the central figure of one of the Cathedral’s most treasured possessions. Discovered in 1820, this hand-held ‘Pax’ (Peace) would have stood on the altar during Mass in pre-Reformation times. Also standing in the transept is the unexplained artwork at right: an ugly black cross contrasted with God’s glory?     PLAN

62. SOUTH TRANSEPT AISLE

This is the West aisle of the South transept. Beyond the doors are the cloister garth, and also access by stairs and elevator to the undercroft.

63. UNDERCROFT GALLERY I

Descending the stairs, we enter the undercroft by the door on the left in this view. Right by us is an old carved ecclesiastical chair, and nearby is a model of the Cathedral. The walls are lined with paintings of past bishops and clergy who have been associated with the Cathedral.

64. UNDERCROFT MODEL

Most cathedrals have a model – sometimes constructed with matchsticks! This is a useful model which shows clearly the park setting, and the way the old church has been extended.

65. UNDERCROFT GALLERY II

The gallery is large and impressive, and at its far end extends to the right.

66. UNDERCROFT

Leaving the undercroft gallery we come to this even larger but less ornate part of the undercroft. This is a general purpose area which can be used for storage, for Sunday School, and after morning service, as a place for friendly morning tea!

67. FAREWELL BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL

This completes our tour of Blackburn Cathedral.