Nave

This impressive church is a fine example of 17th century “Planters Gothic” architecture and was the first Protestant Cathedral built in Britain or Ireland following the Reformation.

It is named after St Columb, aka Columba (the little dove) AD 521 – 597 - the patron saint of Londonderry. He is credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland where he founded an abbey on Iona in 563 AD.

In 1861/2 the interior of the Cathedral was entirely re-modelled. The old square pews were removed, and all the present oak work of the nave was provided, and the galleries in the aisles taken away. The 214 pew ends come from native Londonderry wood and are all different, hand-carved with beautiful intricate little details of animals and plants.

The chancel was added in 1887 to complete the Cathedral on the plan of its founders - the foundations had actually been laid in 1633 and were discovered during building operations.