Part 5 of 5 · Saxon to Norman · c.655–1238

From Medeshamstede to the Cathedral

A monastery in the water meadows was founded around 655, destroyed by Vikings, rebuilt, burned again, and finally rebuilt in stone over 120 years.

c.655Medeshamstede founded
1116Fire destroys the minster
1118Rebuilding begins
1238The new church is consecrated

Explore in 3D · West Front

Three giant arches

The Gothic West Front, built about 1193 to 1230, in front of the Norman nave.

Drag to turn · a simplified model, not a survey

Medeshamstede

Around 655, in the reign of King Peada of the Middle Angles, a monastery was founded at Medeshamstede, one of the first centres of Christianity in central England. Bede names Saxulf as its first abbot. The Hedda Stone in the Cathedral, usually dated to the late 8th or early 9th century, survives from this Anglo-Saxon foundation.

Vikings, a burgh and a new name

The monastery was destroyed by Vikings in the later 9th century. Bishop Æthelwold of Winchester refounded it as a Benedictine abbey, consecrated in 972. The new church was dedicated to St Peter and enclosed by a defensive wall, a burgh, and the town became Peter-burgh. In 1069–70 the abbey was caught up in Hereward the Wake’s fight against the Normans.

Built in stone, 1118–1238

Fire on 4 August 1116 destroyed most of the minster and the town. Rebuilding began in 1118 under Abbot John de Sais, starting with the choir and transepts. Abbot Benedict, who arrived in 1177, brought relics of Thomas Becket from Canterbury, and pilgrims helped pay for the nave. The West Front, with its three giant arches, rose between about 1193 and 1230. The church was consecrated in 1238 by Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln.

Timeline

c.655Medeshamstede is founded under King Peada.
Later 9th c.Vikings destroy the monastery.
972Refounded as a Benedictine abbey and consecrated.
1069–70Hereward the Wake and the Norman takeover.
1116Fire destroys the minster and most of the town.
1118Rebuilding begins under Abbot John de Sais.
1143King Stephen grants the abbey a market.
1177Abbot Benedict brings relics of Thomas Becket.
c.1193–1230The West Front is built.
1238Consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln.
1541The abbey church becomes a cathedral.