101. LECTERN

This very smart lectern is in the form of an eagle – the bird thought to fly closest to heaven. There are echoes here of Isa 40:31 – ‘they will soar on wings as eagles’.   PLAN

102. PRESBYTERY VAULTING

There is so much beautiful detail in this part of the Cathedral. This is the 13th century painted vaulted wooden Presbytery ceiling.

103. VAULTING DETAIL

The vaulting has shields around the edges. The red and green vine decorations support circular disks carrying pictures of the Lamb with Banner, and a curious winged image I have not seen before. There are also decorated bosses at the joins. In the 17th century wooden shields were added to commemorate those who contributed money to repair the church.

104. HIGH ALTAR SCREEN

In 1484 an impressive screen was built between the High Altar and St Alban’s shrine, forming a dramatic backdrop to the liturgy. It is a feast for the eyes as the priest invites worshippers to join ‘with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven’.     

105. HIGH ALTAR

The High Altar is backed by an unfinished reredos by Sir Alfred Gilbert who designed the statue ‘Eros’ at Piccadilly Circus. Here he uses a symbolist approach to show Christ’s Resurrection. It is made of marble, glass and iridescent paua shells from New Zealand.

106. SCREEN DETAIL

This inset panel of smaller figures depicts Christ at centre with the twelve disciples.

107. CHRIST

The central feature of the High Altar screen is this large figure of Christ on the Cross. He is surrounded by the saints and notable people from the history of British Christianity. This ends our tour of St Albans Cathedral.