Cathedral staff ‘saddened and frustrated’ after historic building targeted by vandals

The damage caused to a 900-year-old Norman Arch will cost more than £1,000 to remove and repair

The team at Peterborough Cathedral has been left “saddened and frustrated” after the historic cathedral was vandalised. Cambridgeshire Police received a report on Saturday, June 13, of criminal damage at the cathedral.

It is believed that vandals graffitied the arch that leads from Cathedral Square into the grounds of the cathedral between about 4.30pm and 5.15pm.

A spokesperson for Peterborough Cathedral said: “We are saddened and frustrated this morning to discover graffiti has been sprayed onto our historic Norman Arch. This isn’t just stonework – it is part of a remarkable building that has stood for more than 900 years, surviving wars, fires and the passage of time.

“Today, it has been damaged by a thoughtless act of vandalism.” Removing the graffiti and repairing the affected stone will cost more than £1,000, according to the spokesperson.

The statement added: “Money that would otherwise have been spent caring for the Cathedral and ensuring it remains open and welcoming for everyone. Historic stone cannot simply be cleaned like a modern wall; specialist conservation work is required to prevent further damage.

“It’s difficult to understand why anyone would choose to damage a place that belongs to the whole community. Peterborough Cathedral has stood at the heart of our city for centuries, and preserving it for future generations is a responsibility we all share.”

The crime has been reported and officers are awaiting CCTV footage to review. Anyone with information or footage is urged to report it through the force’s website quoting reference 35/44265/26. Alternatively, call 101.