Guildford Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guildford Cathedral |
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| Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit | |
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| Location | Guildford, Surrey |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Consecrated | 1961 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Designated | 1981 |
| Architect(s) | Edward Maufe |
| Style | Neo-Gothic/Art Deco |
| Years built | 1936–1961 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of towers | 1 |
| Tower height | 48.8 m (160 ft) |
| Bells | 12 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Guildford (since 1927) |
| Province | Canterbury |
Guildford Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit, is a special church in Guildford, Surrey, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This beautiful building was designed by Edward Maufe. It was built between 1936 and 1961.
The land for the cathedral was a gift. Earl Onslow gave the first part. Later, Viscount Bennett, who used to be the Prime Minister of Canada, bought more land. He donated it in 1947 as a memorial to Canadian soldiers. Guildford Cathedral is the main church for the Bishop of Guildford. It is also a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historic place.
Contents
Building the Cathedral: A Community Effort
Why a New Cathedral?
The Diocese of Guildford was created in 1927. This new church area needed its own main cathedral. The old church, Holy Trinity Church, was too small. So, a competition was held in 1932 to find a design for a new, bigger cathedral. Many architects took part, and Edward Maufe was chosen.
Starting Construction and World War II
Construction began in 1936. The first stone was laid by Cosmo Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, work had to stop in 1939 because of the Second World War.
The "Buy-a-Brick" Campaign
After the war, building slowly started again in 1948. But there wasn't enough money. So, in 1952, a special campaign called 'Buy-a-Brick' was launched. Over 200,000 people bought a brick for a small amount of money. They could even sign their name on it!
Famous people like Elizabeth II and Prince Philip signed bricks. You can still see these special bricks inside the cathedral today. The bricks for the cathedral were made from clay found right on the hill.
Completion and Consecration
The cathedral was officially opened on May 17, 1961. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were there for the ceremony. The entire building was finally finished in 1965.
Location: On Top of Stag Hill
Guildford Cathedral sits on top of a hill called Stag Hill. This hill got its name because kings used to hunt deer there. The cathedral's red brick shape can be seen from far away. When it was built, Stag Hill was outside the town. But now, Guildford has grown, and buildings surround the cathedral. The main campus of the University of Surrey is also on Stag Hill, right next to the cathedral.
What Guildford Cathedral Looks Like
Design and Style
Edward Maufe, the architect, wanted the cathedral to look modern but also fit in with the style of other great English cathedrals. He focused on simple shapes and lines instead of lots of decorations. The building has a Gothic Revival style, which means it looks like older Gothic churches but with a modern twist.
The Tower and the Golden Angel
The tower of the cathedral is about 48.8 meters (160 feet) tall. It holds twelve bells. At the very top, there's a 4.5-meter (15-foot) tall golden angel. This angel turns in the wind and was added in memory of a soldier who died in World War II. Inside, the cathedral feels bright and airy. It has light-colored stone pillars and white marble floors.
Special Features and Artworks
Outside the cathedral, there's a wooden cross called the Ganges Cross. It was put there in 1933 before building started. This cross is made from wood from an old battleship called HMS Ganges. The ship's elephant symbol is carved into the wood.
Lady Prudence Maufe, the architect's wife, helped design the inside of the cathedral. She chose the colors and fabrics. The blue color used inside is a nod to Guildford's history of wool trading. Over 1,400 special cushions, called kneelers, were made for the cathedral. More than 400 people, mostly from the UK, made them. Each kneeler has a unique design, showing life and society from the 1950s and 60s.
The cathedral also has many sculptures and artworks by famous artists from the 20th century. One special sculpture is of a World War I mother and child, created by Nicholas Thompson in 2016.
Side Chapels
There are three smaller chapels inside the cathedral:
- The Children's Chapel is a quiet place to remember children who have passed away.
- The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment Chapel honors a military regiment and holds their flags.
- The Lady Chapel was built with money from Canadian people. It remembers the support given to Canadian soldiers during the World Wars. It has a beautiful statue of the Madonna and Child.
Glass Art in the Cathedral
Guildford Cathedral has fewer stained glass windows than many other cathedrals. Instead, it uses clear glass to let in soft light, matching its modern design. However, it does have some beautiful etched glass artworks by a New Zealand artist named John Hutton. These include panels at the main west entrance and above the south porch doors.
Music at Guildford Cathedral
The Organ
The cathedral's main organ was installed in 1961. It has about 4,600 pipes! This organ was recently cleaned and repaired between 2015 and 2017. There is also a second, smaller organ in the Lady Chapel.
Organists
Guildford Cathedral has had many talented organists. Katherine Dienes-Williams made history in 2008 when she became the first female Organist and Master of the Choristers in an English Anglican Cathedral.
The Choir
The Cathedral Choir started in 1961. It includes boy choristers who attend a special school. Since 2002, girl choristers have also joined the choir. There are also professional adult singers called lay clerks. When the main choir is on holiday, a volunteer choir called the Guildford Cathedral Singers performs.
The Cathedral Bells
Guildford Cathedral has a set of twelve bells. Most of them were made in 1965. The largest bell, called the tenor, weighs over 1,500 kilograms (3,400 pounds)! A team of about 25 volunteers practice ringing the bells every Tuesday. In 2022, the cathedral hosted a national competition for bell ringers.
Images for kids
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The vaulting of the South Nave side aisle
