The Heritage Lottery Fund has announced today that it will invest £7m in two UK cathedrals, Durham and Peterborough, in order to preserve the past, as well as present their stories for future generations.

The £3.9m grant for Durham Cathedral will enable the display of original 13th century copies of the Magna Carta, alongside other artefacts, in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the charter in 2015.

The Monks’ Dormitory and Great Kitchen will also be restored to house an exhibition telling the history of the cathedral and its monastic community. A new gallery will be created in a hidden void between the medieval buildings, to form a visitor route around the medieval buildings.

Peterborough Cathedral will benefit from £2.5m which will create a new entrance and display the history of the building. The Grade I listed Knights Chamber will be restored to house a new visitor and heritage centre, which will open to the public by 2018, marking the cathedral’s 900th anniversary.

Chief executive of the HLF, Carole Souter, says cathedrals play a central role in the cultural, social and economic life of the country: “Cathedrals are amongst the most outstanding elements of the UK’s heritage. The Heritage Lottery Fund’s investment will conserve both these beautiful buildings and unlock their stories for future generations to enjoy.”