Arundel Cathedral celebrated its 150th anniversary on 1 July 2023 with a range of special celebrations, concerts and events. Arundel plays an important role in the spiritual life and mission of the Diocese, having served our community of faith both locally and nationally across three centuries. There has been a Catholic community in Arundel for at least 1,000 years with the present building, which was commissioned by the fifteenth Duke of Norfolk, beginning life as a parish church. Designed in the French Gothic style and built as an ‘expression of a spirit of renewal’ by architect Joseph Aloysius Hansom, the church took just over three years to complete with the foundations (which presented a number of challenges) requiring concrete supports up to 17.3 meters deep. Duke Henry’s beautiful church opened on 1 July 1873, becoming a Cathedral in 1965 when the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton was formed.
Forty English and Welsh martyrs were canonised in 1970 including St Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel (1557–1595). Philip was a cousin and great favourite of Elizabeth I, England’s Protestant Queen. He lost royal favour after converting to Roman Catholicism and was convicted of treason (for allegedly praying for the success of the Spanish Armada) in 1588. Accompanied by his faithful dog, Philip was imprisoned in The Tower of London for eleven years, spending the first two in solitary confinement in the Beauchamp Tower before being moved to the Lanthorn Tower, where he was able to pray with fellow prisoner and Catholic priest, Fr William Bennett. Philip Howard died on 19 October 1595, probably as a result of dysentery. Inscribed on the walls of his cell were the words: “The more affliction we endure for Christ in this world, the more glory we shall obtain with Christ in the next.” His remains were transferred from the Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel Castle to Arundel Cathedral in 1971, with the Cathedral re-dedicated to Our Lady and St Philip Howard in 1973.
To commemorate Arundel's 150th Anniversary, the diocesan Education Service asked schools from across the Diocese to create and share pictures of St Philip Howard. More than 100 beautiful and inspiring pictures, paintings and sculptures were sent to our team. To see the gallery, click on the button below:
One of the Cathedral’s most striking features are its beautiful stained-glass windows, many of which were designed by the Victorian Catholic artist and art historian Nathaniel Westlake, a leading designer of the Gothic Revival movement with commissions in several diocesan churches. Arundel’s famous Rose Window, which can be viewed above the organ gallery, was created in 1873 by Hardman’s of Birmingham. Mary and the Holy Child, Jesus can be seen in the very centre of the window, surrounded by angels bearing incense. The outer circles (clockwise from the top) illustrate the Mysteries of the Rosary; the five Joyful Mysteries - the Annunciation to the Finding in the Temple; the five Sorrowful Mysteries - the Agony in the Garden to the Crucifixion, and the five Glorious Mysteries - the Resurrection to the Coronation of the Virgin. You can find out more about Arundel Cathedral by exploring the Future Virtual tour below.
Arundel Cathedral is one of the most beautiful Catholic Cathedrals in the country with a rich and important legacy of faith that spans many decades. The historic nature of our diocesan Mother Church, which is open throughout the year to Catholics from our Diocese, and people of all faiths and none from across the world, incurs significant heating, specialist conservation and maintenance costs which are far beyond the means of the Cathedral’s local parish community.
Can you help to protect Arundel Cathedral as a place of worship and mission for future generations? Please click on the button below to make a donation to our Cathedral Fund.
Thank you for your generosity of heart.
‘All signs of masons and carpenters, dust and noise [vanished]… in the brightness of a July sunshine, which poured a flood of glory, purple, crimson and gold, through the storied windows.’
