St. Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham

The Cathedral Church of Saint Barnabas stands as a striking Gothic Revival landmark in the heart of Nottingham, serving as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham and the seat of the Bishop of Nottingham. Situated on the corner of Derby Road and North Circus Street-across from the Albert Hall and the Nottingham Playhouse-the cathedral is a Grade II* listed building steeped in spiritual and architectural history.

Built between 1841 and 1844, it was consecrated shortly after the 1829 Catholic Relief Act eased restrictions on Catholic worship in the UK. The building was designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, the renowned Gothic Revival architect also responsible for the interiors of the Houses of Parliament. Pugin’s vision combined austere Early English Gothic architecture with richly decorated chapels, particularly the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Upon its completion, it was the largest Catholic church built in England since the Reformation. In 1852, it was elevated to cathedral status following Pope Pius IX’s re-establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales. Relics of Saint Barnabas were brought from Rome to be placed on the high altar, lending the cathedral additional historical and devotional weight.

The interior once featured Pugin’s original decorative scheme, most of which was removed or painted over during post–second Vatican Council renovations. However, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel retains elements of its original ornate design, and restoration efforts are ongoing-including a 2022 initiative supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to uncover and revive Pugin’s lost designs, particularly in the Lady Chapel.

Another notable feature is the tomb of Venerable Mary Potter, founder of the Little Company of Mary, designed by Smith & Roper. The cathedral also supports the parish of Saint Augustine on Woodborough Road.

Today, Saint Barnabas is a lively parish community and a cultural hub, home to multiple choirs including the Cathedral Choir and Schola Cantorum. It welcomes thousands annually for worship, architectural tours, and music, continuing a legacy nearly two centuries in the making.