The Lantern Tower is located above the Crossing at the high altar end of the Choir.

In the original plans for the cathedral drawn up by the English architect William Butterfield the lantern tower was the highest point at 42.67 metres. It was designed to allow light into the cathedral to highlight this focal area of the building.  In E.J. Woods’ revision of the design of the cathedral, the spires of the west front topped with crosses became the highest points at 51 metres. 

In 2020 the Lantern Tower received seismic strengthening as part of the ongoing conservation work of the cathedral. Steel rods and bands were inserted into the Lantern Tower to limit possible damage in the event of an earthquake.