The parish of St. Peter-in-Chains was established in 1826 to serve the large Irish Catholic population of the surrounding Robinson Settlement. This building, erected in 1837-38 of stone from nearby Jackson's Creek, is one of the oldest remaining Catholic churches in Ontario. Reportedly designed by the Toronto architect James Chevette, it follows the modified gothic Revival style popular in Upper Canada during the period. In 1882, when the Diocese of Peterborough was erected St. Peter's became a cathedral. Two years later it was extensively renovated and enlarged under its first bishop, Jean François Jamot. Although altered on various occasions, most notably by the addition of a fifth bay to the nave in 1967, St. Peter-in-Chains has retained its original elegance and imposing form.

Location

In front of the cathedral, 320 Hunter Street West, Peterborough

Themes

• Buildings and structures
• Religion