Derby Cathedral’s Bakewell Screen has beaten off stiff competition to take third place in the national Cathedral Treasures campaign

Almost 4,500 people voted on their favourite cathedral treasure from the top ten finalists in the Association of English Cathedrals campaign which showcased 50 remarkable treasures and glories cared for and preserved by cathedrals in England and the Church in Wales.  

The latest publication, Deans’ Choice: Cathedral Treasures of England and Wales by Janet Gough, tells the story of the treasures, each one chosen by the dean or senior clergy of the cathedral featured.

The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby said: “We are delighted that the Bakewell Screen is so admired and loved by the public. It is a signature treasure in our beautiful cathedral and I’d like to extend a big thank you to all who voted it as their favourite!”

Commenting on the announcement, Janet Gough said: “I am delighted to see the Bakewell Screen from Derby Cathedral, perhaps a less well-known cathedral - although full of treasures - voted one of the top three cathedral treasures in England and Wales. 

"The 1720s Bakewell Screen is a masterpiece in painted and gilded wrought iron, traversing the full width of Derby Cathedral and dividing the chancel from the nave like any traditional rood screen. 

"The screen’s transparency symbolises the light of reason beloved of the Age of Enlightenment and, made at the same time as Bakewell’s gates to Derby’s adjacent silk mill – today the Museum of Making - ushers in the Industrial Revolution."

The runner-up was The Nave Ceiling at Peterborough with the winner being The Leaves of Southwell Cathedral.

Together the 50 treasures span over 1,000 years of history with the earliest treasure, Ripon Cathedral’s ancient crypt of St Wilfrid established in 672 AD, the oldest building of any English cathedral still is use today, to the newest, the Newport Cathedral Rood, a modern work of art by Singaporean artist Tay Swee Siong that was installed in 2020.