Guildford Cathedral — Attraction in Guildford

Guildford Cathedral

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Guildford CathedralCathedral Church of the Holy Location in Surrey

Coordinates: 51°14′28″N 0°35′24″WLocationGuildford, SurreyCountryUnited KingdomDenominationChurch of EnglandWebsiteguildford-cathedral.orgHistoryConsecrated1961ArchitectureArchitect(s)Edward MaufeStyleNeo-Gothic/Art DecoYears built1936–1961SpecificationsNumber of towers1Tower height48.8 m (160 ft)Bells12AdministrationDioceseGuildford (since 1927)ProvinceCanterburyClergyDeanDianna GwilliamsSubdeanStuart BeakePrecentorPaul Smith (Liturgist)Priest(s)Mavis Wilson The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit, Guildford, commonly known as Guildford Cathedral, is the Anglican cathedral at Guildford, Surrey, England. Richard Onslow donated the first 6 acres of land on which the cathedral stands, with Viscount Bennett, a former Prime Minister of Canada, purchasing the remaining land and donating it to the cathedral in 1947. Designed by Edward Maufe and built between 1936 and 1961, it is the seat of the Bishop of Guildford.

Contents

1Construction

2Location

3Description

4Stained glass

5Carved glass

6Dean and clergy

7Music

7.1Organ

7.2Organists

8In culture

9See also

10References

11External links

Construction[edit]

The Diocese of Guildford was created in 1927, covering most of Surrey. Work began nine years later on its cathedral. Following a design competition, The Cathedral Committee chose Edward Maufe (later Sir Edward Maufe) as its architect and the foundation stone was laid by Cosmo Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1936.[1] The brief for the competition specified that construction costs for the entire building should be £250,000. Work began in 1937 but had to be suspended during the Second World War. From 1927 until the dedication of the cathedral in 1961 Guildford's restored Georgian Holy Trinity Church served as pro-cathedral.[1] In 1952 Walter Boulton, who had ministered mostly in India, was made Rector of Holy Trinity and provost (head priest at the pro-cathedral) and revitalised the fund-raising for the new cathedral. The building was consecrated in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 17 May 1961. Much to the disappointment of people in Guildford town and diocese the first Dean of Guildford was not Walter Boulton but The Right Reverend George Clarkson. The building was finally completed in 1965. By the time that building restrictions were lifted after WW2 there was little left of the original £250,000 previously raised to build the cathedral. The Cathedral Committee, and its formidable secretary, Miss Eleanor Iredale, launched the 'Buy-a Brick' campaign 1952. Between 1952 and 1961 more than 200,000 ordinary people paid 2s 6d (roughly £6 in today's money) to sign their name, or the name of another person on a brick. Elizabeth II and Prince Philip both signed bricks, which are on display inside the cathedral, along with bricks signed by other members of the Royal Family. Before the war, the bricks themselves were made from the clay removed during the installation of 778 piles, driven 50 feet into the hill. They were made by the brickworks at the bottom of Stag Hill. After the war, the brickworks ceased to trade, and bricks were then bought from a brickmakers in Beare Green, Sussex. There is a slight colour variation between the local bricks (forming the eastern end of the cathedral) and the Sussex bricks, forming the western end, tower, garths and Lady Chapel.

Location[edit]

Where to put the cathedral for the new diocese of Guildford was a vexing question until Richard, Lord Onslow donated 6 acres atop Stag Hill — so named because the Kings of England used to hunt there. Its solid red brick outline is visible for miles around. Whilst in 1932 this was far outside the town of Guildford, the growth since then has already begun to wrap around the cathedral to the west and south. Guildford Cathedral shares Stag Hill with the main campus of the University ...

I recently had the opportunity to visit Guildford Cathedral to see the Knife Angel, a national monument against violence and aggression in communities. Known for its impressive 27ft height, the sculpture is constructed from over 100,000 seized blades, making it a powerful and moving symbol of hope and unity.

Commissioned by the British Ironwork Centre and created by artist Alfie Bradley, the Knife Angel has been on a national tour of the UK since 2018, visiting 29 towns and cities across the country. It was truly an honor to have this remarkable work of art displayed in Guildford, and it was an experience that I will never forget.

The Knife Angel's message of peace and the transformation of violent weapons into a work of art is truly remarkable. Seeing the sculpture in person is a powerful experience that left me feeling inspired and hopeful. The attention to detail in its design and construction is truly impressive and highlights the importance of creative expression in promoting social change.

I highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to see the Knife Angel to do so. It is a remarkable piece of art that serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violence and aggression, and the importance of working towards a more peaceful and inclusive world. I am grateful to have had the chance to experience this exhibit and am looking forward to the next time it...

Guildford Cathedral is a breathtaking landmark perched on Stag Hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding town. The cathedral’s modern yet striking architecture stands out, featuring a blend of contemporary and traditional design. The interior is spacious, bright, and beautifully maintained, creating a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere for visitors.

One of the highlights of Guildford Cathedral is its sense of serenity. The space is impeccably clean, well-organized, and exudes a welcoming ambiance. Whether you visit for worship, reflection, or simply to admire the structure, the calm environment adds to the experience. The cathedral is also known for its excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for choral performances and events.

Located in a convenient area, the cathedral is just a short distance from a well-stocked gift shop offering a variety of souvenirs, books, and local crafts. Visitors can easily find unique mementos to take home. Additionally, the surrounding grounds are well-kept, offering a peaceful spot to stroll or sit.

Safety and accessibility are well-considered, with friendly staff available to assist. Overall, Guildford Cathedral is a must-visit for those who appreciate architecture, history, and a tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a traveler, this iconic site provides a...