Cathedral in the sunshine

I started the 50 Carlisle Buildings back in March, but it’s only today that I found myself back in the city and recording - 

Number 2 - Carlisle Cathedral 

The building of Carlisle Cathedral was begun in 1122 and it was in 1133 that it was raised to the status of Cathedral. It has undergone much refurbishment over the centuries but parts of the original building still remain. It was of Augustinian foundation and there were, and still are, many monastic buildings in the precinct of the Cathedral. I could have photographed some of those, but I could not resist this iconic image with the red sandstone looking so good against the blue sky. 

We were both in Carlisle, so of course we started the morning with breakfast at the friendly Foxes Café. Then we walked across the road to Tullie House, where the gardens were looking quite splendid. We were heading for the exhibition - The Legend of King Arthur: A Pre-Raphaelite Love story. This features paintings, drawings, tapestries and more, all linked to the legend of King Arthur and all work by Pre-Raphaelite artists. There is also an exploration of the King Arthur’s connection with Cumbria, some sites that I have blipped in the past. An excellent exhibition, which we only just caught, as it is finishing in Carlisle in  a few days and then moves to Falmouth, Cornwall. I have put as an Extra a picture of some of the huge tapestries, which depict Knights setting off to search for the Holy Grail and which were designed by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. 

Gordon stayed in Tullie House to look through the new Roman sections whilst I went a few doors down to the Hairdresser and the Bookshop . . . and the Cathedral.. We left Carlisle just as it was getting very warm indeed.