Northampton R.C.
Visited Tue 22 Aug
Great ride across country from Leicester. Welcomed by the Dean with a cup of excellent coffee. Had to stand in the central reservation of the road outside to get a picture of the cathedral, through the gaps in the traffic. One kind lorry driver stopped short of his traffic light to give me time.
Shrewsbury R.C.
Visited Fri 11 August
Puzzled by the bangs in the town outside - turned out there was an annual 2-day Flower Show going on, one of the biggest and best of its kind in the world apparently... The cathedral that nearly wasn't - its architect and its major benefactor both died before work had begun. And Shrewsbury was a surprising place for the cathedral anyway, as far more Catholics in Cheshire (diocese includes Cheshire & N Wales). Welcomed warmly by a member of the congregation, very knowledgeable about the cathedral.
Clifton RC
Visited Tue 18 July
Warmest reception to date - and not just the weather! Diocesan Communications Officer had contacted the local press and arranged for a photographer to come. Also a celebration cake presented by sacristan Roberto, complete with fondant icing biker on top and "Welcome Neil" etc inscribed on base. Also given a book about the history of Clifton Diocese, founded in 1850. Original plans for grand classical cathedral never materialised; "temporary" one in use 1850-1973, when present ultra-modern one consecrated. Designed in fan-shape around central altar to reflect excitingly reformed theology then just emerging from Vatican II. We were shown round by chief guide, who pointed out recurrent motif of equilateral triangle in design - echoes of God the Holy Trinity, of course.
Plymouth RC
Visited Wed 12 July
Tucked away in residential area. Built 1858 and became cathedral in 1861. Interior was reordered in 1994 and all seats face inwards towards the centre. Shown round by the sacristan, who made us very wlecome before being summoned to prayer by the sister.
Portsmouth RC
Visited Tue 11 July
A glorious sunny day for the beginning of my holiday. Accompanied by Maureen (in the car!) for most of my visits over the next 2 weeks. First RC church in Portsmouth opened in 1796 but this one dates from 1882; was immediately made cathedral of new diocese of Portsmouth. Had to look round quickly because a service was about to begin. Clearly a very lively church community. Active ministry among students. Very useful page on website giving links to all RC dioceses and cathedrals in England & Wales, which has been really helpful in my planning.
Birmingham RC
Visited Wed 21 Jun
Arrived as lunch hour Mass drawing to a close. Greeted warmly at the "Peace" by friendly fellow-worshippers. Early Victorian church by Pugin, one of the first elevated to cathedral status when Catholic hierarchy reestablished in 1850. Website says "In November 1940 a bomb came through the Cathedral roof, bounced on the floor and exploded when it hit the central heating pipes. The pipes burst and the water extinguished the bomb, thus saving the Cathedral from destruction." Cheap but effective sprinkler system!
