The Normans began the construction of the original St Martin's church of around 900 years ago. It was rebuilt and enlarged between the 13th and 15th centuries and became the 'Civic Church', with strong links with the merchants and guilds (with the Guildhall being located nearby). Just over 150 years ago the Victorian Architect, Raphael Brandon, magnificently restored and, in places, rebuilt the church, including the addition of a 220ft spire.
When the Diocese of Leicester was re-established in 1927, the church was hallowed as Leicester Cathedral. In 2015 King Richard III was reinterred in the Cathedral. In 2024 the Cathedral reopened after 22 months of redevelopment.
c.100 AD
Leicester was an important Roman town with trading links across Britain and Western Europe. The Cathedral is built over part of the Roman town, including a 'shrine' room containing the base of a Roman altar stone - this site has been a place of worship for nearly 2,000 years.
679
A simple Saxon church under Bishop Cuthwine – the first Bishop of Leicester – may have stood nearby.
870
The Danes invaded the East Midlands. The last Saxon Bishop of Leicester, Ceolred, fled with his staff to Dorchester around 874 AD, and the two dioceses merged.
1086
The Normans arrive, and the Domesday Book records that Leicester had six churches. This building would have been one of them, with recent archaeological excavations finding 11th century evidence.
1220
First recorded mention as St Martin's Church, dedicated to St Martin of Tours. Over the next centuries St Martin's is regarded as the principal church of the borough.
1485
King Richard III visits Leicester before being killed at the Battle of Bosworth. He is buried at the Greyfriars Monastery opposite St Martin's Church (the friary was dissolved in 1538 as part of King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries).
1547
Protestant Reformation under King Edward VI resulted in the interior being stripped of statues, vestments, screens, and stained glass.
1634
King Charles I visits St Martin's Church, and again in 1642.
1757
The first spire is added to the Norman tower.
1846–67
Victorian era of enterprise and change saw major restoration, including a new tower and spire.
1890s
New interior features including stained glass inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.
1896
Vaughan Porch added to honour a dynasty
1927
St Martin's Church is hallowed as the Cathedral Church of St Martin, Leicester, as the Diocese of Leicester is restored after 1,000 years.
2000
Vivienne Faul becomes the first woman Provost of an English cathedral (and the first female Dean when the title changed in 2002).
2015
After the discovery of his mortal remains, King Richard III is reinterred in Leicester Cathedral.
Today
The Cathedral continues to transform with major restoration work and construction of the new Heritage & Learning Centre.
