WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

A casket with the list of names of those who fell during the First World War.

In the Chapel, which awaits completion, green is the dominant colour, with much of the marble originating in Ireland. Celtic designs are inlaid on the floor and at the foot of the altar. The image of the shamrock (used by St Patrick to explain the Trinity) can be seen throughout the Chapel; on the rear wall, in the marble screen beside the nave, behind the altar, the wooden furniture, and even in the candle-stand outside the Chapel.

The snake decoration.

The snakes which curl around the altar recall the legend of St Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland.

Above the altar is a bronze gilt statue of St Patrick, in the style of an ancient celtic carving. Nearby is a mosaic of St Patrick, unveiled in 1999.

Around the Chapel walls are the badges of Irish Regiments that fought in the First World War. In a casket by the

Irish regimental badges are mounted on the Chapel walls.

altar are inscribed the names of 50,000 Irish soliders who died at that time. In 2001 the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, prayed in the Chapel and laid a wreath to the dead commemorated here - a visit also made by President Mary Robinson in 1996.

Outside the Chapel, a mosaic commemoriates St Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop of Armagh. St Oliver was the last person in England to die for the Catholic faith, and was executed at Tyburn, London in 1681.

St Oliver Plunkett is shown in mosaic.

Lord, we ask your blessing
upon the people of Ireland,
And upon Irish people
throughout the world;
We pray especially for peace
in Northern Ireland
And reconciliation among
its communities.
May they reach out across
ancient divisions
In trust, friendship, and forgiveness.

Continue the tour of the Cathedral >

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