Explanation of Charging

The entrance charge for visitors was introduced in 2004. The cost of maintaining the fabric of this historic building increases day by day, and donations from visitors and other sources fell well short of the thousands of pounds required on a daily basis. But it is not just a matter of bricks and mortar - the Cathedral cannot develop its Ministry to the City and wider community without adequate funding. The Cathedral receives no funding from local or central Government, nor does it receive any money from the Church of England. Visitors were encouraged to increase their level of donation, but unfortunately this did not prove successful, so it became necessary to introduce a charge.