VISITOR INFORMATION

Truro Cathedral

Truro Cathedral, built on the site of the 16th century St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, was the first cathedral to be built on a new site in England since Salisbury Cathedral in 1220. The architect, John Loughborough Pearson, incorporated the South Aisle of the parish church into his design and today this is called St Mary's Aisle. Outside, in St Mary's Street, the 16th century stonework can be seen against the granite walls of the new cathedral. Parishioners have the right to be baptised, get married and hold their funeral service in St Mary's Aisle and the Dean of Truro Cathedral is also the Rector of the Parish. Inside, the remaining part of the parish church is typically Cornish with its 16th century barrel roof. There is an 18th century organ designed by John Byfield and the pulpit is made of inlaid wood and also dates from the 18th century.

The best way to enter Truro Cathedral is from the West End, which is on High Cross. John Loughborough Pearson had a guiding principle. He said 'my business is to see what will bring people soonest to their knees'. The whole impression as one enters is of gentle light and soaring arches. The architectural style is Gothic revival. That is, the Gothic style in a new building. The interior walls are made of granite and the pillars from Bath stone. All except one, and that is made of granite and is one of the two foundation stones laid in 1880. The other is outside at the north east corner of the cathedral. As the cathedral was built in the middle of an existing city and space was at a premium, the architect, Pearson, built the nave at an angle of 6 feet and this bend can be clearly seen.

Items of particular note are the Baptistry, dedicated to Henry Martyn; the Tinworth Panel, made in terracotta by George Tinworth; the Bishops Chair, which in Latin is called a 'cathedra' and gives the building its name; the famous Father Willis organ; the three rose windows which represent the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost; the Robartes memorial which used to stand in the Parish church; the Lectern, which was used for the first ever service of Nine Lessons and Carols, instituted by the first Bishop, Edward White Benson on Christmas Eve 1880; the painting 'Cornubia' by John Miller. The stained glass windows (including one showing John Wesley, the Methodist preacher who was very popular in Cornwall) are considered to be the finest examples of Victorian stained glass and therefore of great importance.

It is estimated that half a million people visit Truro Cathedral during the year and it is a great pleasure for The Friends of Truro Cathedral to welcome them. Guided tours are available every morning, and in the afternoon in the main school holidays. Booked tours are also available for groups and schools. For information and bookings please contact the Cathedral Office, 14 St Mary's Street, Truro TR1 2AF. Telephone 01872 276782. There is also an excellent Refectory in the Chapter House and a well-stocked shop for gifts and souvenirs.

The city has other churches of interest and several are contemporary in age with the cathedral. St Paul's Church in Agar Road dates from 1848 (and includes a 13th century pulpit). St George's Church, 1855, has a large painting behind the altar that includes both Truro and Zanzibar cathedrals. St John's Church at the top of Lemon Street with a cupola designed by Philip Sambell, dates from 1828 although it has later alterations. In Kenwyn, which is to the north of the city, the parish church of St Kenwyn is a typical Cornish church of the 14th and 15th centuries and is next to the former Bishop's Palace, Liz Escop, now the Convent of the Epiphany.

The Roman Catholic Church, in St Austell Street, has been used since 1972. The Methodists have worshipped at Truro Methodist Church in Union Place since 1830 and the building was virtually unchanged until 2000 when substantial repair work and changes to the interior were carried out.