Yesterday, a friend of mine decided to take her daughter and grandchildren for a visit to Exeter cathedral. The visit was rapidly abandoned when she realised that they would be charged a £4.00 each entrance fee.
Whatever ones religious or political views surely it should be agreed that the cathedral is part of our common cultural and historical heritage and that it should be accessible easily and cheaply to all. The Anglican church, despite its current international problems, remains one of the wealthiest institutions in the country and surely should be able to pay for the upkeep of its buildings without relying on charges.
The outcome of such charges is that poor and working class people, and particularly young people, are going to be discouraged from taking an interest in their heritage. Given the continual mantra about 'social inclusion' and ' britishness' from those in authority easy access to our shared heritage should be something to be encouraged rather then deterred.
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2 comments:
Is this an entry fee or just a 'suggested' voluntary donation? I believe most cathedrals will let you in for free if you say you are visiting for religious, as opposed to sightseeing, purposes. If you think Exeter is bad, try Canterbury Cathedral. They actually have a turnstile on the door and you can't get in unless you pay.
As far as I am aware there is now an official entry fee for Exeter cathedral. This received a good deal of publicity last year when I think I was still in Scotland. Canterbury is notorious in this respect.
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