Truro Cathedral and St Mary’s Aisle
St Mary’s St, Truro TR1 2AF

The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Truro, is Cornwall’s only cathedral. A Grade 1 listed building, it is a fine example of Gothic-revival architecture, with an unusual three-spire design. Its architect, John Loughborough Pearson, also designed St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane, Australia.
The cathedral was built between 1880 and 1910, and is home to some of the finest Victorian stained glass to be found anywhere in the world. The richly coloured windows tell the story of God’s ongoing relationship with humanity, and Christianity’s impact on the history of Europe. They feature many historical figures: Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Thomas More, Joan of Arc and Queen Victoria amongst them. There is even a window of the execution of King Charles I, complete with masked executioner poised to bring down his axe. 

The Cathedral’s Pieta comes from Brittany
Truro is the only English cathedral with a parish church standing inside it. Consecrated in 1259, St Mary’s Church was remodelled twice – once in 1504-18 when the highly decorative south aisle was added with one window sponsored by the Tregians, a local tin-merchant family and once in 1768. The earlier work may have influenced the rebuilding and extension of St Mary Magdalene’s Launceston from 1511 in more intractable granite. When the Diocese of Truro was created in December 1876, the church was threatened with complete demolition to make way for a new cathedral. However, after a campaign endorsed by the artist William Morris, the best part of it was saved and incorporated into the cathedral design. It became ‘a church within a church’, and is now known as ‘St Mary’s Aisle’. 

Effigy of Christabel Michel in St Mary’s Aisle
Until recently, St Mary’s Aisle suffered severe problems due to water coming through the roof. Major repairs were carried out, thanks to the generosity of funders like Cornwall Historic Churches Trust. The Aisle re-opened in June 2024. As well as a wonderful triptych of the life of the Virgin Mary, it houses the Byfield Organ, believed to be the oldest and most historic pipe organ in Cornwall. The instrument was built in 1750 by one of the most respected English organ builders at the time, John Byfield, and brought to Truro by William Lemon (for whom Lemon Street is named). In the winter of 1880, it accompanied the first ever service of ‘Nine Lessons with Carols’, now famous worldwide. 

The Byfield Organ photo courtesy of Lance Foy
Truro Cathedral is open for visiting, and is a Registered Charity (number 1207821). Donations are needed to help maintain the building, but there is no charge for entry. The sublime music of Evensong has become a rarity in many parish churches, but can still be experienced almost daily at the cathedral (weekdays at 5.30 and Sundays at 4.00 pm). No tickets required. Further information: www.trurocathedral.org.uk and www.cornishstainedglass.org.uk