This page traces the history of the dioceses and cathedrals of the Church of England. Since it is customary in that country to name nearly all dioceses after their cathedrals, the two terms are used somewhat interchangeably, even though they are technically quite separate things.

Ancient Cathedrals

The mediæval Church of England was organized into 17 dioceses. About half of the diocesian cathedrals were also monastaries, with the abbot serving double duty as dean of the cathedral. The rest were served by a college of "secular" canons — non-monastic priests living under no fixed rule of life.

The Henrican Reorganization

After Henry VIII's break with the Pope and the dissolution of the monasteries, the formerly monastic cathedrals were "re-founded" with secular canons. Furthermore, a number of new dioceses were formed, using some of the largest and finest of the other dissolved monastaries as cathedrals. Together, these two groups — the old monastic cathedrals and the new sees — were known as cathedrals of the New Foundation; the old cathedrals which had always been served by secular canons were known as those of the Old Foundation.

Modern Foundations

No further cathedrals were founded until, in the mid 19th century, the huge population growth of north-central England meant that redistricting could no longer be ignored. Since then twenty new dioceses have been founded, each with a cathedral — some are great mediæval monasteries or collegiate churches which were not elevated by Henry VIII but might well have been; others are glorified parish churches; and others are totally new constructions.