Chelmsford Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chelmsford Cathedral |
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| Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd | |
Chelmsford Cathedral, July 2014
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| Location | Chelmsford, Essex |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Previous denomination | Catholic Church |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gothic |
| Years built | c.1200 – c.1520 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Chelmsford (since 1914) |
| Province | Canterbury |
Chelmsford Cathedral is a special church in Chelmsford, Essex, England. Its full name is the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd. It belongs to the Church of England. The cathedral is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, St Peter, and St Cedd. It became a cathedral in 1914. This happened when the Diocese of Chelmsford was created. It is now the main church for the Bishop of Chelmsford.
Contents
History of Chelmsford Cathedral
From Parish Church to Cathedral
The church of St Mary the Virgin in Chelmsford was likely first built around the year 1200. This was about the same time the town of Chelmsford was growing. The church was rebuilt between the 15th and early 16th centuries. Its walls were made from flint rubble, stone, and brick.
The church has a tall tower with a spire on top. Inside the tower, there are thirteen bells. Twelve of these bells were made by John Warner & Sons in London. They were first used in 1913. In 1800, part of the main area of the church, called the nave, fell down. It was rebuilt by an architect named John Johnson. He kept the original design but used new materials like Coade stone for pillars and a plaster ceiling. The upper part of the chancel, which is the area near the altar, was rebuilt in 1878.
Becoming a Cathedral
In 1914, the church became a cathedral. This happened when the new Diocese of Chelmsford was formed. A diocese is an area that a bishop looks after.
After World War II, in 1953, the south porch of the cathedral was made bigger. This was to celebrate the friendship between Britain and America. Many US airmen were based in Essex during the war. In 1954, the cathedral was also dedicated to Saints Peter and Cedd. The inside of the cathedral was updated a lot in 1983. They put in a new floor, new seats, a new altar, and a special chair for the bishop. They also added a new font and new artwork.
In 1994 and 1995, two large pipe organs were put into the cathedral. One is in the nave and the other in the chancel. All the beautiful stained-glass windows were added in the 1800s and 1900s.
In 2000, a sculpture called Christ in Glory by Peter Eugene Ball was placed above the chancel arch. Later, in 2004, two more important artworks were added. These include Mark Cazelet's Tree of Life painting and Philip Sanderson's altar frontal in the Mildmay Chapel.
The cathedral also remembers its connection to Thomas Hooker. He was a lecturer in Chelmsford from 1626 to 1629. He had strong Puritan beliefs and later moved to America. There, he helped found the town of Hartford, Connecticut. He was also important in the early development of American democracy.
Who Leads the Cathedral?
The cathedral is led by a team of clergy and other members. As of July 2024, the main leaders are:
- The Dean: The Very Revd Dr Jessica Martin
- Canon Precentor: The Revd Canon Sebastian Harries
- Canon for Education and Safeguarding: The Revd Canon Kate Moore
Music at Chelmsford Cathedral
The cathedral has a lively music department. It is led by the Director of Music. The department also includes an Assistant Director of Music and other staff.
The Cathedral Choir is made up of boys and girls. It also includes older students and adult singers. The choir sings at special services on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. There is also a group called the Cathedral Singers. They sing when the main choir is not performing. The Cathedral Choir even contributed to a song called "I Believe in You" by the band Talk Talk in 1988.
Cathedral Organs
Chelmsford Cathedral has two impressive pipe organs.
- The Nave Organ is at the west end of the cathedral, under the tower. It was built in 1994 by Mander Organs. It has four keyboards and a mechanical action.
- The Chancel Organ was built by Mander Organs in 1995. It has two keyboards and also uses a mechanical action. This organ includes some pipes from the 1800s. It is known for its unique sound. The Nave Organ can even be played from the Chancel Organ's console using an electric link.
You can find more details about the organs on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Directors of Music
The current Director of Music is Emma Gibbins, who started in 2024. Many talented musicians have held this role over the years.
Assistant Directors of Music
The current Assistant Director of Music is Samuel Bristow, who started in 2023.
Images for kids
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The ceiling of the nave
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The ceiling of the chancel
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The nave looking towards the west
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Chelmsford para niños
