Cathedrals are awe-inspiring buildings. Most are grand medieval structures, while others appear simple and unpretentious - yet all were designed to reflect the glory of God and have a profound impact.

As trailblazers of architectural development, each cathedral has distinct individual features - such as the powerful Norman Romanesque west towers of Durham, the unique octagonal tower at Ely, and the daring late Gothic finery and spaciousness at Gloucester.

In this lavishly illustrated guide to cathedrals from Bangor to York, with profiles of Roman Catholic and Scottish cathedrals, David Pepin outlines the evolution of architectural style, each building's key features, and the ongoing story of daily worship, wide-ranging ministry, conservation, the new work of craftspeople, and the increasing numbers of pilgrims and visitors.