The Glory that is Guildford

Here, high on Stag Hill, is cathedral for the modern age. 

From the outside the building’s brick wrapping gives a noticeably industrial feel, perhaps a power station? Or a Lancashire mill? 

It looks over the Surrey landscape and the sweep of the A3.

Inside? Inside we have tall, pale and Ikea-like, paired down Gothic.

The nave stretches like a row of Poplar trees. Pale stone, height and balance and eye-watering simplicity makes this a very special cathedral. A foundation stone was laid in 1936. But work stopped with the outbreak of the WWII. 

And because of one thing and another not resumed until 1952. The Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit was consecrated in 1961. Less than an hour from our house one is tempted to return for Holy Communion (BCP said) very soon.