41. NORTH TRANSEPT WINDOW GP

The North transept has a wonderful stained glass window known as the Bethel Window, depicting the story of Jacob’s ladder. Told in Genesis 28:10-19, while in Bethel, Jacob falls asleep and dreams of a ladder between earth and heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it.  An inspirational window! Some highlights of this window have been beautifully captured here.     INDEX

42. MOTHERS’ UNION BANNER GSV

The banners in a Cathedral get moved around, but here is the Mothers’ Union banner  showing a row of worshipping figures with the name of the diocese below. Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for nearly 150 years. Started by their founder Mary Sumner in 1876 in her local parish, they have grown into an international charity with over 4 million members in 83 countries.     [Photo Credit: Andy Skelly]

43. CROSSING GSV

From this angle we notice that there are a couple of doors in the North transept screen – servery doors?   Immediately in front of us is the nave altar from where the Eucharist would be administered each week. Above is an illuminated corona or crown, alluding to the Kingship of Christ. [Photo Credit: Cliff Cairns]

44. ACTION! GSV

It is always good to attend a cathedral worship service, but all services need preparation!

45. QUIRE GSV

In our exploration, we move beyond the nave altar to the quire, where the stalls are decorated with ‘poppy heads’. This Cathedral has an active choir. [Photo Credit: Chris duMond]

46. HIGH ALTAR GSV

Beyond the quire is the sanctuary with the high altar. Notice the most unusual cross on the altar: two hands nailed together. This is a very graphic reminder of the crucifixion. A book of remembrance sits at the foot of the altar. [Photo Credit: John Lamb]

47. SIDE VIEW OF SNCTUARY GSV

Some familiar items have made their way to the sanctuary! Note the fine celebrant’s chair, and the tiling on the floor. [Photo Credit: Cliff Cairns]

48. APSE WINDOWS GP (x3)

The three stained glass apse windows form a sequence about christ. From left they show: •• Christ on earth, fulfilling the law and the prophets (Christ shown between Moses and Elijah); •• The Risen Christ (with the clear textual message – He is not here but is risen); ••   The Glorified Christ (probably the Ascension, with lower onlookers all looking up, and angels at the sides).

49. SANCTUARY GSV

The sanctuary area is surrounded by colourful figures. Directly behind the high altar is the text ‘Till he come’, with four unidentified saints alongside – almost certainly the Four Evangelists St Matthew, St Mark, St Luke and St John. Then at ground level, on either side of the altar are three larger unidentified figures. But who are they? This completes our tour of Peel Cathedral. [Photo Credit: Nick Lowney]