Lest we Forget: Remembering the First World War

In this commemorative centenary year of the ending of the war to end all wars, we explore the many aspects of the Cathedral dedicated to the memory of a lost generation.  We view the memorials for individual soldiers who lost their lives picked out in stained glass and brass and hear about two local heroes.

Standing in centre of the Nave screen is a remarkable 16th century crystal cross. A gift from Canon Glossop who lost two sons in the conflict. The tour will stop and honour the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire regiments in the Memorial Chapel. In this chapel stands a three sided lectern adorned by St Michael which houses three beautiful books produced by Miss Phyllis Burgess inscribed with the names of those in the Diocese who died in WW1 – a page in each book is turned each day by one of the Virgers.

Laid up in a niche, the tour passes a Toc H lamp. Its significance will be recalled. The tour ends with a reflective look at the stunning West Window by Ninian Comper. This window is the Diocesan memorial window, poignant in its depiction of a soldier and sailor kneeling beneath the cross surrounded by martial saints and the flags of the allies who fought so bravely in that terrible conflict.