St Edmundsbury Cathedral

High Altar

The Facts

The Chancel, quire and High altar were added by Stephen Dykes Bower in the 1960s. In order to build them, he removed the earlier chancel added by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The only part which was retained was the three seat sedilia (a stone seat used by the clergy).

The reredos is a dramatic ‘sunburst’, designed by Stephen Dykes Bower in wrought iron and semi-precious stones. The high altar cross was given in memory of Paulina Greene, daughter of the first female mayor of Bury St Edmunds. Designed by W D Caroe, the candlesticks were added to match in 1955.

Two icons, St Denys and St James were written by Lenny Goff who also carved the statues of St Edmund and the Madonna and child.

Focal point of the High Altar is the cathedra, the Bishop’s chair. This is what gives the building its designation as a cathedral.

High Altar Reredos
High Altar
Left Quire stalls

Reflection

This is the part of the cathedral where the evening service takes place. Many prayers have been said and continue to be said daily in this place. One poignant prayer is on the back of the High Altar cross. It says:

To the glory of God in Memory of Paulina, dear child of Eva and John Woolaston Greene. Born April 2nd 1917, died February 14th 1921.

“And Life is eternal
And Love is immortal
And death is only the horizon
And the horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.”

Did you know…?

  • One of the carvings on the cathedral is the wolf and St Edmund’s head
  • The eagle lectern is used for Bible readings. The eagle is the symbol of St John.
  • The coats of arms around the chancel arches represent the coats of arms of the barons of the Magna Carta. They were funded by the Dames of the Magna Carta, an American organisation whose members can trace their ancestors to the original English barons.

If you’d like a more in-depth tour, Cathedral Tours are available! Please speak to a welcomer to find out more details.