History of the Parish
St Peter's was built between 1857 and 1859, originally as a new Catholic parish church for Lancaster. Catholics had been given freedom to build churches 30 years earlier in the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829. The new church replaced a small chapel in nearby Dalton Square.

In 1924 Pope Pius XI created the Diocese of Lancaster, and St Peter's was chosen to be the Cathedral church.

In 2009 the Cathedral will celebrate its 150th anniversary. A much fuller account of its history is given on the 150 section of the Cathedral website.
Interpretation boards around the Cathedral help visitors to understand the building and its purpose
'Inspire', installed in 2006, is situated under the bell tower and includes a large exhibition case
The Cathedral's impressive 240ft spire is visible from many parts of Lancaster
The Cathedral features a number of unusual stained glass windows, such as this window depicting King Herod
The Holy Oils, used throughout the diocese of Lancaster in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination and anointing of the sick
A touchscreen computer gives details of the Cathedral and the Catholic faith
King Henry VIII, depicted in a stained glass window in the north transept