Truro Cathedral Cornwall

UK Churches: Truro Cathedral, Cornwall

Jake Davies

In 1880 construction began on a cathedral in the small town of Truro in central Cornwall. It was to be the first cathedral built on a new site in England since 1220 when Salisbury Cathedral was built. The Diocese of Cornwall was established in 1876, and the first bishop appointed in 1877. The building was finally completed in 1910.

Truro Cathedral, Cornwall, UK. — Truro Cathedral, Cornwall

Several sites in Cornwall were considered before the decision to locate the cathedral in Truro was made. Truro Cathedral was built on the site of St. Mary's Church, and the 16th century aisle was incorporated into the new cathedral.

The architect was John Loughborough Pearson (1817-1897), who had previously worked on Lincoln Cathedral, and the two cathedrals share some features. Pearson's son continued the work after his father's death and also on St Matthew's in Auckland, New Zealand, which is a smaller version of Truro Cathedral.

Design

The design of Truro Cathedral is primarily Gothic Revival style and incorporates some French features like Rose Windows and spires. Truro is one of only three cathedrals in the U.K. with three spires, the others being Lichfield Cathedral and St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The twin western spires reach a height of 61 meters, while the central spire stands 76 meters tall. Probably the most notable feature of Truro Cathedral are the stained glass windows, which are considered some of the best examples of Victorian stained glass. With 70 windows it is believed to be the largest single commission for stained glass ever.

There is no entry fee, although it is suggested you purchase something from the gift shop or coffee shop or make a donation.

Stained Glass Rose Window, Truro Cathedral, Cornwall, UK. — Stained Glass Rose Window, Truro Cathedral, Cornwall

Access

Truro Cathedral (trurocathedral.org.uk)
Open 7.30 am-6 pm Monday to Saturday, 9 am-5 pm on Sundays
14 St. Marys Street
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 2AF
Tel: 01872 276 782

Truro Cathedral was built on the site of St. Mary's Church. — Truro Cathedral was built on the site of St. Mary's Church

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The church towers over the small, Cornish town of Truro. — The church towers over the small, Cornish town of Truro

The cathedral is a 15 minute walk from Truro Station to the west. Regular buses from the station also run to the cathedral.

Nearby

The Royal Cornwall Museum is close by. It has collections ranging from Stone Age Cornwall to modern art with a large mineral collection from Cornwall's mining past.

Both trains and buses connect Truro with the resort of Falmouth.

Accommodation

Two recommended places to stay in Truro are the Merchant House Hotel and the Mannings Hotel.

The Merchant House Hotel on Falmouth Road is a refurbished Victorian house with some rooms having garden views. The agreeable hotel has free WiFi and free private parking.

The Mannings Hotel on Lemon Street close to the cathedral and the Royal Cornwall Museum, a modernized Georgian property done out in vivid colors.

The Alverton is a 19th-century Grade II listed property offering four-stars, a brasserie, bar and free parking for guests.

See here for a complete listing of accommodation in Truro.