Cathedrals for the Curious

Cathedrals, and Minsters and Abbeys, really are for the Curious among us. They are past and present: usually the greatest and most beautiful of public buildings and extraordinary testaments to Christianity, perhaps one of the most tangible symbols of our civilisation. Challenging, aweinspiring structures and attractive with so many curious features, Cathedrals especially are major centres of Christian worship and ecumenical activity, and where many gather for times of great rejoicing or mourning. The definition of a person as 'curious' is - 'eager to learn, inquisitive'; and of an object - 'strange, surprising and even odd'. It is fact that the many artefacts - the products of human art and workmanship - in church buildings appear strange, surprising and even odd to many visitors who are naturally inquisitive and eager to learn. Cathedrals for the Curious seeks to assist the many who visit and have little idea of the complexities of the buildings. In a clear, straightforward manner and in alphabetical order from 'Abacus' to 'West Front' the crucial and distinguishing features that make the Cathedral are described. Cathedrals for the Curious seeks to encourage many to visit and explore, to participate if possible, and certainly to relax and enjoy the beauty and the challenge of each building and its activity.