St. Mary's Cathedral is one of the major Gothic Revival churches designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852) and is, therefore, of great importance. Although better known for his major contribution to the decoration of the Houses of Parliament, Pugin did his greatest work - it is now recognised - in the building of churches.

History St. Mary's was completed in 1844 as a parish church for the rapidly growing number of Catholic people coming to Tyneside. Six years later, with the restoration of the hierarchy in 1850, St. Mary's was designated the Cathedral Church for the new Catholic diocese of Hexham, later to be named Hexham and Newcastle. Find out more		A W N Pugin Augustus Welby Pugin was the son of a French émigré who settled in England and became an architectural draughtsman. Under the tuition of his father, Augustus Welby also became a fluent draughtsman and by the 1830s, was widely employed in church design. Find out more
Stained Glass Windows One of the glories of St Mary's is its stained glass, notably the East Windows. Find out more about each of the windows, including details of the new windows unveiled in recent years. Find out more		Cathedral Organs The Cathedral has been host to five pipe organs. Find out more about them. Lewis Organ Nelson/Lewis Organ 'Penny Whistle' Organ Nigel Church Organ Makin Organ
Regimental Colour 4th Tyneside Irish Battalion In 2001, the Regimental Colour of the 4th Tyneside Irish Battalion was laid up in the Cathedral, following a Service of Re-dedication. Find out more		Crypt On Wednesday 21st May 2003, the previosuly hidden underground crypt in the courtyard was located. Find out more
Photographs Never visited the Cathedral? Take a look at some of the photographs to see what you are missing! Find out more