Peterborough Cathedral - New Shop
Client: Peterborough Cathedral
Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Status: Completed
Peterborough Cathedral Shop: A Space Reimagined
Peterborough Cathedral is a place of extraordinary beauty and significance. Its architecture, history, and spiritual presence make it one of the most remarkable buildings in the country. So when the time came to rethink the Cathedral shop, it wasn’t just about retail—it was about respecting the space, understanding its story, and finding a way to make something new feel in keeping with the sense of place.
The shop sits in what was once the Baptistry, tucked into the North-West Transept. Over the centuries, this part of the Cathedral has seen many changes. In the 1930s, it was reordered to house a stunning 12th-century font, carved from Alwalton marble, and surrounded by oak panelling that echoed the rhythm of the blind arcading behind it. The font has since moved to a more central position, and the Baptistry became the shop—though until recently, it was more makeshift than intentional, with a mixture of display stands and little sense of permanence.
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Creating a Welcoming Retail Space in a Heritage Setting
Before any design work began, the team took time to understand the space properly. The Cathedral Archaeologist and members of the Fabric Advisory Committee helped identify what mattered most—such as the carved capitals on the north wall, which mark a fascinating moment in architectural history, where Romanesque meets early Gothic. These details, and the layered history of the area, shaped every decision that followed.
Designing with sensitivity
It quickly became clear that some things were simply off-limits. Fixing into the stone piers, for example, would not be possible. But the 1930s Clipsham stone floor, laid over a thin concrete bed, offered a rare opportunity: a place where change could happen without compromising the building’s integrity.
The new shop design took full advantage of this. Glazed display cabinets were arranged around the perimeter, secured to the floor rather than the walls. These allow visitors to see the full extent of the space, with small gaps between cabinets creating a subtle but secure boundary. Two sets of hand-forged steel gates complete the enclosure—beautifully crafted, visually open, and supported by a concealed steel beam beneath the floor, carefully designed to avoid disturbing medieval foundations.
Against the oak panelling, a series of wall cabinets with arched tops mirror the rhythm of the arcading, even where it’s hidden. The choice of limed oak was deliberate and light enough to complement the Barnack limestone, but soft enough not to clash with the darker tones of the 1930s woodwork.
Before any design work began, the team took time to understand the space properly. The Cathedral Archaeologist and members of the Fabric Advisory Committee helped identify what mattered most—such as the carved capitals on the north wall, which mark a fascinating moment in architectural history, where Romanesque meets early Gothic. These details, and the layered history of the area, shaped every decision that followed.
Designing with sensitivity
It quickly became clear that some things were simply off-limits. Fixing into the stone piers, for example, would not be possible. But the 1930s Clipsham stone floor, laid over a thin concrete bed, offered a rare opportunity: a place where change could happen without compromising the building’s integrity.
The new shop design took full advantage of this. Glazed display cabinets were arranged around the perimeter, secured to the floor rather than the walls. These allow visitors to see the full extent of the space, with small gaps between cabinets creating a subtle but secure boundary. Two sets of hand-forged steel gates complete the enclosure—beautifully crafted, visually open, and supported by a concealed steel beam beneath the floor, carefully designed to avoid disturbing medieval foundations.
Against the oak panelling, a series of wall cabinets with arched tops mirror the rhythm of the arcading, even where it’s hidden. The choice of limed oak was deliberate and light enough to complement the Barnack limestone, but soft enough not to clash with the darker tones of the 1930s woodwork.
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Enhancing Visitor Experience
At the heart of the shop is a single desk, also in limed oak, which serves both the retail team and the Cathedral’s volunteer welcomers. Positioned near the font, it’s the first point of contact for many visitors - a place to ask questions, receive a warm greeting, and learn more about the building. Since its introduction, donations have increased, and the space feels more welcoming than ever.
The new shop is more than just a place to buy souvenirs. It’s a thoughtful response to a complex and layered space—one that respects the past while serving the present. It’s secure, elegant, and quietly confident, and it’s already making a difference: improving visitor experience, protecting stock, and supporting the Cathedral’s ongoing mission.