Where is the oldest cathedral in England?

Answer 1

Since you asked, specifically, for cathedral, and not simply church, the building must house an active seat of authority for the Church. This means that the answer you seek would be the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham more commonly known as Durham Cathedral. It is the oldest, not just in England, but of all Britain, as well. Located, of course, in Durham, England, it is known to have been founded in 1083. It is a marvel of Norman architecture (Romanesque), and is one of the most active tourist sites in Europe.

The oldest active church in England is thought to be St. Peter's-On-the-Wall, located in Bradwell-On-The-Sea, Essex.

Answer 2

This is complicated and difficult to answer, depending upon the exact meaning of the question. At the Council of Arles in 314 there were three bishops present from Britain (London, York and Lincoln). Where there were bishops there were cathedrals. Consequently, London, York & Lincoln had cathedrals before 314. It is not known if the sites are the same sites as current cathedrals, but in all probability nothing survives of those earliest structures. Bangor Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St. Deiniol) was dedicated & founded in 525, but nothing of the original building survives today. The oldest parts possibly date back to 1120s. It was destroyed in 1211 by King John’s army. When Edward I invaded Gwynedd it was again badly damaged in 1282. Extensive rebuilding followed, only again to be destroyed in 1404. Many of the older cathedrals have similar histories. St. David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, was dedicated in the late 580s. However, the oldest parts of the existing structure again date back to the early 1120s, with most of the older structure dating to the 1180s. Llandaff Cathedral was founded in c.550; the present building dating back to the 1120s and later. St. Asaph Cathedral, Denbighshire, c.553. This too was destroyed by the soldiers of Edward I in 1282, and again in the Owain Glyndwr rebellion. Canterbury Cathedral 597, the oldest existing parts dating back to the late 1100s. Rochester Cathedral 604. York Minster 627. Some of these dates are controversial. Some structures started as churches, only later becoming seats of bishops, or the opposite (Bradwell, Essex). etc. Many were destroyed or badly damaged, to be subsequently rebuilt. The cathedral that has a significant part of it's current structure dating back further than any other is Durham, the foundations of which were laid in 1093. The greater part of Durham Cathedral is the original Norman structure built in the decades following 1093, although there have been many additions, alterations, and repairs continuing from those first decades.

Answer 3

Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent and founded in 602.

or

The site of Bangor Cathedral was originally occupied by St. Deiniol's monastery, established in the 6th century around c.525.

Answer 4

I believe it's Rochester Cathedral in Kent.

Answer 5

The oldest Cathedral is Durham, started in 1093

Answer 6

Liverpool Cathedral (the Anglican one)

Answer 7

Saint paul's cathedral in London

Answer 8

York