November & December 2023 – Before planning your visit, please check our ‘Visitor Notices’ for accessibility updates and one-off changes to opening times. Click here to view.
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Heritage interpretation
In addition to new, large freestanding Heritage panels, the Cathedral’s story is now told in a variety of innovative ways…
The story of the Cathedral and the City
Orientation Table
Our Orientation Table includes a map to help visitors navigate the remodelled building. The floor plan uses Braille and tactile elements, so that visitors with visual impairments can find their way around.
The table includes tactile metal etchings of decorative elements from around the Cathedral. Materials are provided so you can take a rubbing and then use it to find the actual item.
Alcove animations
The three alcoves to the right-hand side of the Nave display a vibrant animated presentation explaining the development of Newcastle, its Cathedral and the many characters involved in laying stones, both metaphorically and actually.
These screens use a motion sensor, so if you walk toward them, your movement will cause the animation to start and the story to unfold…
Stories in the Stones
The Cathedral’s vast collection of memorial grave covers known as ledger stones have been languishing under pews and in hidden-away spots since the late Victorian era. Now, they have been painstakingly cleaned by expert conservators, grouped together and repositioned in the north and south aisles of the Nave.
Timings
Our audio-light display begins at the following times, running for approximately 8 minutes:
| Sunday | 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm |
| Monday | 11.15am, 12:15pm, 3:15pm |
| Tuesday – Friday | 11.15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 3:15pm |
| Saturday | 11.15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm |
Please note: Exceptions to these times may occasionally occur. If Stories in the Stones isn’t running, please ask a Welcomer for further information.
Touchscreen database
A double-sided touchscreen unit enables visitors to investigate characters memorialised on the stones and to browse some highlights from the Cathedral’s Collections Database. As you dig deeper you will discover layers of interpretation relating to the families, careers, lives, and aspirations of the people whose names are written in stone beneath your feet.
Audio-light display
The immersive audio-light display Stories in the Stones has been designed to bring the ledger stones and the stories within them to life. Ceiling-mounted lights highlight the stones in the north aisle, as the characters tell their own stories. The result is a short but fascinating insight into their colourful lives. Transcripts of the audio are available on request.