Leicester Cathedral Reordering

The much publicised design of the tomb for Richard III was part of a far more complex project at Leicester Cathedral. Our objective was always to reorder the cathedral to enhance the wide range of activities that take place there, from private prayer to large scale ordination services and concerts. Key proposals included moving the sanctuary from the east end, resolving the various changes of level so that un-stepped access is possible, and providing decent ‘back-stage’ facilities; offices, kitchen, storage and WCs.

The fundamental objective of that phase was to make the crossing part of the main body of the cathedral, by removing and relocating the twentieth century joinery screens and seats, and to relocate the Sanctuary to the open crossing. The new high altar is now at the heart of worship and everyone’s experience of the cathedral. The reconfiguration of the chancel also forms the Ambulatory, the setting for Richard III’s memorial, and the new Chapel of Christ the King further east.

“Leicester Cathedral set out to reinter King Richard III in March 2015 with dignity and honour, on behalf of a nation. Since then our greatly increased number of visitors, from all parts of the nation and globe, all tell us how greatly impressed they are by the work, both of design and construction, that has created a magnificent tomb in a newly created ambulatory, appropriately adjacent to the Chapel of Christ the King.

We are truly fortunate to have such a creative design team to work with us to such powerful effect.”Pete Hobson – Project director, Leicester Cathedral