Cathedral selling off stonework to raise funds

The lots include 19th and 20th Century stone carvings which have been removed from Exeter Cathedral

A Devon cathedral is auctioning off parts of its stonework to raise money for "essential" conservation.

Exeter Cathedral said the funds would also go towards visitor experience improvements.

The lots include 19th and 20th Century stone carvings, alongside more modern pieces, that have been removed from the Cathedral.

The online auction began on Monday and will run until Sunday 15 September.

The auction forms part of Exeter Cathedral's Development Appeal, which also hopes to improve accessibility and sustainability.

'Unique chance'

A new visitor interpretation scheme is also to be created, which hoped to better share the cathedral's story to a wider audience.

Chris Sampson, Exeter Cathedral’s clerk of works, said the auction gave people a rare opportunity to own a piece of the medieval building:

“This is a unique chance to give a home to a piece of Exeter Cathedral’s history.

"These architectural fragments have been part of the cathedral fabric for many years, but the time has come for them to be replaced.

“The stonework on offer has been hand carved by skilled craftspeople of previous generations, and the replacement carvings are being produced using the same traditional techniques, skills and tools.”

The auction will be carried out by the Exeter-based auctioneers, Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood.