Introduction

The Cathedral of St Mary, St Peter and St Cedd, is a parish church and the Mother church for the whole Chelmsford Diocese of Essex and five Eastern London Boroughs. The second smallest Cathedral in the country, it serves the second largest diocese in the country, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in warmth, light space and colour. It has a modern look which makes it hard to believe that much of the building dates back to the early fifteenth century. Its Gothic perpendicular architecture replaced an earlier church built in the eleventh century. It became a Cathedral in 1914 when the new Diocese of Chelmsford was created to meet the needs of the growing population East of London.

A number of changes in the twentieth century included the lengthening of the sanctuary, major refurbishing to replace pews with chairs, the installation of a honey coloured limestone floor throughout the Nave and Chancel and a new Cathedra, Altar and Font all made from Westmorland slate. Two new organs, and several lovely works of art have enhanced the Cathedral to make it a welcome place for prayer, quiet reflection and daily worship.

The two storeyed South Porch is faced with stone and flint inlay known as "Flushwork". This was greatly enriched in 1953 as a memorial to "tasks and friendships shared" when, during the Second World War, U.S. forces were stationed in the county of Essex The American window depicts the Stars and Stripes, the arms of the U.S. airforce and those of George Washington.

The Cathedral is a busy vibrant place for hosting many large services, theological lectures, Lent courses, Prayer schools, university graduations, civic ceremonies, concerts, organ recitals and welcoming pilgrims and visitors on a daily basis. Educational visits from schools are especially welcome. All these enable the Cathedral to serve as a centre for the spiritual, teaching and artistic life of the Diocese and the community.

Highlights

Admission & opening hours

Tours & education

Amenities & facilities

Local Interest