Exeter Cathedral has received a donation of £2 million to support its 2020s Development Project.
The funding from the Julia Rausing Trust brings a major boost to the project, enabling the cathedral to meet rising material costs and complete its current phase of building improvements and conservation.
The Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, said:
“We have been excited and relieved to receive this tremendous grant from the Julia Rausing Trust. Not only has it has helped us to close the funding gap on our current Development Project; it has also given the Cathedral Chapter the confidence to think about the next phase of the project – extending current plans to incorporate the nave of the cathedral, and some of the ancillary buildings nearby.
“We are truly grateful for this transformational gift.”
The Julia Rausing Trust has been established in memory of the late British philanthropist Julia Rausing, who died in 2024. The Trust supports charitable organisations and initiatives working across the UK’s health, education, arts and heritage sectors.
Simon Fourmy, Director of the Julia Rausing Trust, said the development project at Exeter Cathedral would allow the building to better engage local communities and also support the wider visitor economy in Devon. He added:
“We continue to honour Julia’s legacy through the Julia Rausing Trust and this grant is a good example of projects we have supported in her memory. The protection and celebration of the country’s beautiful and inspiring heritage has long been an important part of our work. The project at Exeter Cathedral will be transformative, improving access and engagement so that many more people may enjoy this magnificent building.”
Now in its third year, the 2020’s Development Project is one of the driving forces behind Exeter Cathedral’s initiative to make the ancient building more accessible and welcoming for a wider range of visitors.
Recent improvements under the project include the building of a new cloister. Built on the same foundations as the cathedral’s original medieval cloister which was demolished in the 17th century, the structure is the most significant new building to adjoin the cathedral for 500 years. Named the ‘Friends’ Cloister Gallery,’ the new building connects the cathedral with its historic Chapter House and Pearson buildings, as well as housing accessible toilets, a café and shop.
Further construction is underway on a new exhibition space designed to safely display the cathedral’s internationally-significant Library and Archive collections, whilst in the main cathedral building, energy-efficient heating, lighting and sound systems are being upgraded.
As part of the 2020’s Development Project, Exeter Cathedral has also been organising a programme of community-led events and activities. Designed to engage a wider range of Devon communities with their local heritage, the programme has included ‘Riddler in Residence’ poetry workshops, medieval craft and design sessions, a biodiversity project and a community choir inspired by the cathedral’s Anglo-Saxon ‘Exeter Book.’
