Features

Items that hold a fond place in people's memories - no longer stand in the Cathedral. 

In the new underground vault of Carlisle Cathedral are numerous wonderful treasures, all of which have their own stories to tell; such as the Irthington Cup.

This was stolen and then sold at a car boot sale. It was only when it was taken to London to be sold at auction that it was recognised and finally returned to the Cathedral.

The font cover that's missing.

Many more items have been lost from the Cathedral over time and for more than a decade Canon David Weston has been trying to recover some of them. Two of his biggest mysteries, and missing items, are an intricate lectern and an ornate font cover.

The font had a tiled surround and steps up to it, with brass rails. But the most extraordinary thing about it was the intricate cover which was probably made of metal. No one seems to know where it is and Canon Weston simply can't believe that it was broken up.

The lectern was made from brass and took the shape of an eagle in flight. This was approached by a set of three steps - both the lectern and the steps are missing!

Even though the lectern and font cover may never be found Canon Weston still keeps a look out for clues. He says " It's like a jigsaw puzzle. You do it and there's three bits missing ... It's absolutely tantalising and you know they must be somewhere".