Retelling the ancient story

Footprint has helped us to tell the story of the Abbey as the centre of Christian life and worship in the city.

Three churches have stood on this site: a Saxon Monastery, a Norman Cathedral, and the present medieval Abbey. From the early activities of the monastic community, to those of the Abbey community today, we now have the opportunity to tell stories from this rich history which spans over 1,000 years.

Original objects from our collection combine with innovative technology to enable us to make connections between past, present and future. These are available to visitors both on the Abbey floor and in our new Discovery Centre, which allows people to explore this rich history for themselves through animation, guides and interactive displays.

Exhibits help people to discover how worship, hospitality and seeking justice for the poor have always been central to our life here.