Guildford Cathedral

History

Guildford CathedralFrom its commanding position on Stag Hill - so named because the Kings of England used to hunt there - Guildford Cathedral, in its 20 acres of green parkland, is an imposing landmark.

Many people, including the Queen and Prince Philip, will remember buying a “half crown” brick, made from the clay of the hill, all of which helped towards the completion of this huge building.

From road and rail, by day and by night when it is floodlit, it serves as a beacon to bring the knowledge and love of God to all who visit. Inside, there is tranquility and peace and an overall impression of dignity, beauty, lightness and space, created by the pale Somerset sandstone pillars and white Italian marble floors.

As the first Anglican Cathedral to be built on a new site in the South of England since the Reformation, it is not surprising that it attracts such interest. Started before World War II, construction was interrupted until 1952, and it was only in 1961 that the Cathedral was finally consecrated.