15. The first church we are visiting is Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. It was founded by the city's patron saint Frideswide. We are going to visit her holy relics. Why is this church called a cathedral?
From Quiz Henry's Medieval Pilgrimage
Answer:
It contains the bishop's chair.
Frideswide founded the priory and took a vow of celibacy, however, she was pursued by a prince who was determined to marry her. Through miraculous intervention she was able to remain unmarried and maintain her chastity. When she died in 735, Frideswide was buried at Oxford.
Actually, Christ Church Cathedral is the smallest cathedral in England. By the time Henry made his pilgrimage, the original building had been replaced. Pilgrims from all over England, even Catherine of Aragon, the wife of Henry VIII, have visited the church to pray before the relics of Frideswide. Today it contains a stained glass window, dating back to 1320, showing Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.
The "cathedra" was the official chair that was located at the bishop's church. Christ Church is the seat of the Bishop of Oxford.