Carlisle Cathedral receive generous £4,000 legacy donation

The Cathedral received the large sum from the late Mr Frank Buzzard.

Mr Buzzard spent ten years of his life on pilgrimage visiting each Church of England Cathedral and has left them all a bequest in his will.

But the legacy is more than financial. Mr Buzzard, who died last year at the age of 95, wrote his own guide to each of the cathedrals too, ranging from short reports to what he called an 'epic poem'.

His report to Carlisle Cathedral includes a history of the iconic building, as well as his own personal memories of visiting with his wife after a visit to the Lake District in March 1994.

He would spend more than three hours inside the Cathedral, admiring its beautiful architecture and artwork. 

Frank's daughter, Christine, is honouring her father’s legacy and has contacted each cathedral, with a cheque and copy of the guides, as her father intended.

She said: “Everything my father did, God was at the heart of it. Whether it was his business, sport, or simply walking around the countryside, he always insisted that God was the most important thing in his life.”

On Facebook, Carlisle Cathedral said: "We are extremely grateful to the Buzzard family for their support of Carlisle Cathedral, ensuring that the Cathedral is preserved for future generations.

"Carlisle Cathedral remains open for free, for everyone, 365 days a year thanks to the generosity of people like Mr Buzzard.

"Gifts in wills are an important part of the Cathedral’s voluntary income in order for us to keep open and to make a difference to the communities we serve. Such gifts help fund significant work, whether buildings, equipment, mission (including worship, pastoral care and education) or staff.

"Leaving a Gift in your will helps us look to the future with greater confidence. If you would like to leave a Gift in your Will to Carlisle Cathedral, please visit www.carlislecathedral.org.uk for more information, or pick up a legacy leaflet in the Cathedral."