Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Aldershot Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids St Michael and St George Cathedral
Cathedral Church of St Michael and St George

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Location	Aldershot, Hampshire
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	Official website: https://web.archive.org/web/20100723200543/http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/The-Church-in-England-and-Wales/bishopric_of_the_forces
Architecture
Style	Romanesque
Years built	1892
Specifications
Number of spires	1
Administration
Diocese	Bishopric of the Forces

The Cathedral Church of St Michael and St George is the main Roman Catholic cathedral for the Bishopric of the Forces, which serves members of the British Armed Forces. It is located on Queens Avenue in Aldershot, England.

The building was first meant to be the main church for the Anglican chaplains of the British Army. However, since 1973, it has been the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Forces.

A Royal History
- Queen Victoria Lays the First Stone
- A New Purpose for the Church
Architecture and Art Inside
Gallery
See also

A Royal History

The church was designed in 1892 by architects Ingers Bell and Aston Webb. It was built in a style called Early English Gothic Revival. The company J. Davey of Brentwood built the church, which was first named after St George.

Queen Victoria Lays the First Stone

Clergy and officers at the church's opening ceremony in 1893

Because the church was planned as a major church for the army, Queen Victoria herself laid the foundation stone on June 27, 1892. The special trowel and mallet she used for the ceremony are now on display inside the cathedral's entrance.

The church was officially opened on October 7, 1893. Queen Victoria and other members of the royal family attended the ceremony.

A New Purpose for the Church

While this church was being used by Anglicans, Catholic soldiers in Aldershot had their own church. It was called the Church of St Michael and St Sebastian and was built in 1855. This church was a large wooden building that looked a bit like a barn.

By the 1970s, the army had fewer Anglican soldiers and more Catholic soldiers. The Church of England already had other churches in the area. So, in 1973, the St George's church was given to the Roman Catholics. It became the cathedral for the Bishop of the Forces and was renamed the Cathedral of St Michael and St George.

The old wooden church, St Michael and St Sebastian, was no longer needed. It was used as an army storage building until it burned down in 1983.

Architecture and Art Inside

A carving of St George over the main doors

The sanctuary, or main altar area

The cathedral is a large building made of red brick with light-colored Portland stone details. Its tall tower and spire make it easy to spot from far away. Over the main entrance, there is a carving of Saint George defeating a dragon.

The inside of the church is made of yellow brick. It has a wide main aisle, called a nave, with tall arches.

Memorials and Stained Glass

On the south aisle, a series of red marble plaques honor members of the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) who died in service between 1882 and 1920. The cathedral is also famous for its beautiful stained glass windows, made by Heaton, Butler and Bayne. These windows show saints and scenes from the Bible.

One special window is dedicated to Julia Horatia Ewing. She was an author who wrote stories about the daily lives of soldiers in Aldershot. Some of the stained glass windows were moved here from the old Church of St Michael and St Sebastian after it closed.

The Altar and Chapels

The chapel dedicated to the Royal Army Service Corps

The east end of the church, behind the main altar, is very decorative. It features a colorful mosaic of the Last Supper that was added in the 1930s. The main altar itself is simple and modern. The East Window above the altar is dedicated to the soldiers of the RASC who died in the Boer War (1899–1902).

The cathedral has several smaller chapels. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel was built in 1998. The Lady Chapel has a beautiful mosaic that honors army chaplains who died in the Boer War.

Music and Modern Art

The cathedral has two organs. The main one, built in 1908, is no longer used. A modern Allen organ is used instead. This organ once belonged to the famous organist Carlo Curley.

In 2015, a unique crucifix was added to the cathedral. It was made by a blacksmith from the parts of 23 different aircraft, from the 1930s to today. This artwork connects the church to the Royal Air Force and honors those who served.

Because of its special architecture and history, the cathedral was made a Grade II listed building in 1979. This means it is officially recognized as a building of national importance.