Southwark Cathedral

The Diocese of Southwark includes Southwark Cathedral, the oldest gothic structure in London, which dates to about 1220. Since the reign of William the Conqueror, a place of worship has occupied this location near the southern end of London Bridge, according to the Doomsday Book. You'll adore exploring this stunning structure in Bankside. Don't overlook the William Shakespeare memorial window or the Harvard Chapel, which serves as a memorial to parishioner and university founder John Harvard. The cathedral offers a popular schedule of organ recitals and concerts in addition to its regular services.

The current structure was an Augustinian Priory within the Diocese of Winchester in the 13th century. It was given to King Henry VIII in 1539 and afterwards transformed into the parish church of St. Saviour's, which served playwrights and actors including William Shakespeare. One of the key contributors to the King James Bible, Bishop Lancelot Andrewes, has a number of intriguing monuments and tombs, including his own. John Harvard, a supporter of US universities, was baptised in this cathedral in 1607, and a chapel honours his memory. The Southwark Anglican diocese was established in 1905, and the structure was given cathedral status.

There are five public acts of worship each day. Regular organ and musical recitals are held. Every day of the week, the Refectory Restaurant and Shop are open. You can rent meeting and conference rooms. Tour groups are highly urged to schedule their visit in advance; admission is by donation.

When the Church of England Diocese of Southwark was established in 1905, the collegiate parish church of St. Saviour was given the status of cathedral. The adjoining St. Thomas church, built in the early 18th century, served as the chapter house for the new cathedral.

During the Second World War, the German bombing severely devastated the area where the cathedral is located. 1,651 high explosive bombs and 20 parachute mines were dropped on Southwark between 7 October 1940 and 6 June 1941 alone. On February 20, 1941, it was revealed (after being released from restrictions by the ministry of communications) that a bomb had damaged the cathedral. On the outside of the building, shrapnel damage is still evident today.

There are statues honouring Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Isabella Gilmore, and the Marchioness catastrophe victims. On the site of the former monastic one, Mandela erected a new northern "cloister" in 2001 that included a refectory, store, conference centre, education centre, and museum. These Millennium structures won a prize for being among the year's top new constructions in 2002.

When the cathedral held the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement's twentieth-anniversary ceremony on November 16, 1996, it attracted controversy. Former Bishop-Elect of Reading and out-gay Dean of St. Albans Jeffrey John was once the Canon Theologian of Southwark.

The cathedral declared that same-sex couples are welcome to approach the clergy with regard to preparation and prayers when entering a civil partnership and for continuing support and counsel within their relationship. Couples approaching the clergy may expect a warm welcome and affirmation. Now, the cathedral claims: "LGBT+ individuals are accepted and supported in the inclusive community of Southwark Cathedral. The clergy would be happy to assist you in your spiritual planning for your civil partnership."