As Peterborough Cathedral heads towards it 900th birthday – it has hit the national headlines because it is struggling financially. This is a common problem among English Cathedrals the BBC reported over the weekend. The Bishop of Peterborough has instructed a team including experts from beyond the Diocese itself to advise on what can be done. The debates will include the challenge of competing interests – Cathedrals house rich archaeology and history with stories to tell about the development of English history as well as art and architecture over the last 1000 years. And at the same time trying to develop their role as centres of Christian worship in an increasingly secular society. What are the alternatives to closure? How do they generate income to cover both running costs and the costs of maintaining complex and often ancient buildings?
