Portsmouth has not one but two cathedrals. One is Catholic, the other Anglican. Regular readers of this blog will know that I am planning (very slowly) visiting all 42 of the Anglican variety in England. When I visit one for the first time, I make photo’s on Ilford XP2. Usually it’s a whole roll. Portsmouth Cathedral’s begining’s date back to 1180 – when the original chapel was dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury (Thomas Beckett). It was almost destroyed in the civil war, became a cathedral in 1927 a year after Portmouth gained city status, restoration and expansion started in 1931, stopped during WW2, and completed in 1991 when it was re-consecrated. This is why is has a modern feel! Note the weather vane!
(Above right) With my back to the main door, looking up the nave the organ is centre. You’ll notice the chairs seem to be facing the wrong way! That’s as the nave is often used for music performances as in this case. The left hand photo above is made from under the organ looking back towards the front door! Below, more pipes from the organ above the door!
Above (left) the font, the lectern, both under the tower, while the grave of one of the sailors from the Mary Rose, is just to the left. Below the other side of the organ (which reminds me of a sleeping Furby!) and the high altar.
Just by the side door that actually functions as the entrance there is a ship. Not surprising for Portsmouth! Known as the Golden Barque, it was built around 1710 and for years sat as the weather vane atop the church. It came crashing down during a bad storm in December 1954, was restored and is now safely housed inside, while a replica, now sit’s in it’s place.
