cathedral city crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "cathedral city crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore our solutions below, categorized by the number of letters, to find your perfect fit.
Solutions for "cathedral city crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ELY: A small city in Cambridgeshire, England, famous for Ely Cathedral.
4 Letters
YORK: Historic city in Yorkshire, England, known for York Minster.
5 Letters
WELLS: A city in Somerset, England, notable for Wells Cathedral.
TRURO: City in Cornwall, England, home to Truro Cathedral.
RIPON: Small city in North Yorkshire, England, known for Ripon Cathedral.
6 Letters
DURHAM: A city in North East England, home to Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
EXETER: A city in Devon, England, noted for Exeter Cathedral.
7 Letters
LINCOLN: An ancient cathedral city in Lincolnshire, England, with Lincoln Cathedral.
8 Letters
STALBANS: A city in Hertfordshire, England, site of St Albans Cathedral, historically significant.
COVENTRY: A city in the West Midlands, England, known for its modern Coventry Cathedral built after WWII.
CARLISLE: A city in Cumbria, England, home to Carlisle Cathedral.
9 Letters
SALISBURY: A medieval city in Wiltshire, England, famous for Salisbury Cathedral and its towering spire.
ROCHESTER: A town in Kent, England, known for Rochester Cathedral, the second oldest bishopric in England.
WORCESTER: A city in Worcestershire, England, with Worcester Cathedral.
LICHFIELD: A city in Staffordshire, England, home to Lichfield Cathedral with its distinctive three spires.
10 Letters
CANTERBURY: A historic city in Kent, England, home to Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
WINCHESTER: An ancient cathedral city in Hampshire, England, with Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
GLOUCESTER: A city in Gloucestershire, England, home to Gloucester Cathedral, famous for its Norman architecture and fan vaulting.
CHICHESTER: A city in West Sussex, England, known for Chichester Cathedral.
CHELMSFORD: A city in Essex, England, with Chelmsford Cathedral.
12 Letters
PETERBOROUGH: A cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, known for Peterborough Cathedral.
More About "cathedral city crossword clue"
The clue "cathedral city" is a classic in the world of crosswords, especially in British-style puzzles. These cities are often small to medium-sized urban areas in the United Kingdom that host a cathedral, marking them as important ecclesiastical centers. Their historical significance and unique names make them perfect candidates for crossword setters looking for precise, well-defined answers.
Understanding the concept of a 'cathedral city' can greatly assist in solving many crosswords. While some, like London, might have multiple cathedrals, the clue usually points to one of the smaller, distinct cities whose primary identity is tied to its cathedral. Names like Ely, York, and Salisbury are prime examples, each with a rich history and a prominent cathedral that serves as its landmark.
The diversity in the length of these city names, ranging from three letters (ELY) to twelve (PETERBOROUGH), makes "cathedral city" a versatile clue that can fit various slots in a grid. Keeping a mental list of these cities can give you a significant edge when encountering this clue or similar geographical/historical references in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "cathedral city" to a manageable list.
- Think UK Cities: While other countries have cathedral cities, this clue, without further qualification, almost always refers to a city in the United Kingdom. Focus your thoughts on well-known British cities with cathedrals.
- Look for Common Short Answers: Cities like ELY, YORK, and WELLS are very common due to their short, convenient lengths. If you have a 3, 4, or 5-letter slot, start with these in mind.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already solved from intersecting clues to further confirm or eliminate potential "cathedral city" answers. This is often the quickest way to verify a solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a "cathedral city" in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, a "cathedral city" typically refers to any city, especially in the UK, that contains a major cathedral. These are often historic cities with long-standing religious significance, making their names common answers due to their distinct identity.
Why are UK cathedral cities so common in crossword clues?
UK cathedral cities are frequently used in crosswords because they are well-known, have distinct and often short names (like ELY, YORK, WELLS), and offer a rich pool of places for setters to draw upon, fitting various letter counts and cryptic definitions.
Are there specific clues that always point to a cathedral city?
While no clue always points to a specific answer, common cryptic indicators for 'cathedral city' might include 'seat of bishop', 'minster town', or even more abstract references to religious centers or famous spires, coupled with letter counts that align with known city names.