England's cathedrals make an immense contribution to the
country's historic environment. They are landmarks; they are
often the largest and most architecturally complex, and amongst the
oldest, buildings in their areas. Importantly, they remain in
use for the purpose for which they were originally built.
Through cathedrals' presence, worship and varied work, they also
reach out to their local and wider communities in numerous and
diverse ways.
The range of cathederal issues that comes before the Cathedrals
Fabric Commission is correspondingly wide.
The Commission oversees the Church's own system of controls
under the Care of Cathedrals Measure as amended by the Care of
Cathedrals (Amendment) Measure 2005. "Before implementing any
proposals which would affect the character of a cathedral building,
its setting, or archaeological remains within its precinct, or an
object of artistic, archaeological, architectural or historic
interest owned by the Chapter, in its possession or to the
possession of which it is entitled, the Dean and Chapter are
required to get approval under the Measure, either from the Fabric
Advisory Committee serving the cathedral or from the Commission
itself."
The Commission also offers advice on matters relating to the
architecture, archaeology, art and history of cathedrals and their
precincts, landscape and environment and publishes a range of guidance
and advisory notes.
Details of the membership of the Commission are available.
Read the latest Commission Annual Review.