The history claims that there has been a church for over 1000 years on the site where the Southwark Cathedral can be found now. The building was partially destroyed when a fire struck it twice in 1212 and 1390 respectively. The church has always had additions and reconstructing work going on from time to time. Admission to the cathedral is free, however there is a charge for the visitor centre and the exhibition area.The exhibition incoperates state of the art technology to give the visitor a long view of Southwark, past and present.