Once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a hard-hat tour of the Sheffield Cathedral

11th September 2013

Saturday 14 September will be a day to remember at Sheffield Cathedral as visitors get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a hard-hat tour of the building works in the nave to see up close the newly rediscovered entrance to the 500-year-old Shrewsbury vault.

Visitors will also be able to climb the 15th century bell-tower and take in spectacular views across Sheffield city centre whilst trying their hand at chiming a bell. Clergy, staff and volunteers at Sheffield Cathedral's free Heritage Open Day will be showing visitors how the 900-year story of Sheffield is being told by the oldest building in Sheffield still in daily use. Sheffield Cathedral's central role in the story of Sheffield is being revealed by the multi-million pound Gateway Project of renovation and improvements which, when completed early next year, will see the launch of a new heritage learning programme for schools and a new interactive historical interpretation centre. Visitors on Heritage Open Day will also have the chance to meet Gerard de Furnival, 13th century Lord of the Manor of Sheffield in full armour on his way to the Crusades and George, the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, who will be asking children to help him foil the attempts of Mary Queen of Scots to escape from Sheffield Castle. Visitors will have to be on their best behaviour however; otherwise they might end up in the stocks! Jack, a uniformed WW1 soldier from the 12th Sheffield City Battalion will be on duty and talking about the Sheffield Pals and life in the trenches during the Great War. The Regimental Chapel and Crypt of the York and Lancaster Regiment will be open to visitors throughout the day. The ancient musical heritage of the Cathedral will be showcased too with a recital by the Cathedral choir and there will be a band of costumed Tudor minstrels playing music from the days of Henry VIII and letting visitors try out their many authentic instruments from the period. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. a full programme of free hands-on heritage themed activities for all the family will ensure that there's something for all ages whilst a pop-up cafe and produce stall by the ladies of the Mothers' Union will give visitors the chance to recharge their batteries during a packed day of fun and informative heritage activities for all the family. Sheffield Cathedral as you've never seen it before and for one day only and it's all free!