Laying Foundations
In April 1933, a cross was erected on Stag Hill to mark the site of the new Cathedral. It was made from teak timbers from the battleship HMS Ganges. The cross still stands today outside the Cathedral at the eastern end.
To prepare the foundations, piles were driven up to 15m (50 feet) through the soft clay of Stag Hill. Queen Mary visited the site in April 1937 to assist with the driving of the 778th and final pile into the ground.
And on 22 July 1936, the Foundation Stone was laid by The Most Reverend Dr Cosmo Gordon Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury. It was he that announced that the Cathedral would be dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
Building work started.
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The Ganges Cross
In April 1933, a cross was erected on Stag Hill to mark the site of the new Cathedral. It was made from teak timbers from the battleship HMS Ganges.
The cross still stands today outside the Cathedral at the eastern end.
© Fox Photos Ltd; ref. 490679
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Preparing the Foundations
Pile driving on Stag Hill with the Ganges Cross in the background.
778 piles were driven up to 15m (50 feet) through the soft clay of Stag Hill.
© Donovan E. H. Box
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Fund Raising
Provost Southam seated at the Cathedral Coffer in the Tunsgate, Guildford. With him is the Town Crier.
© Donovan E. H. Box
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The Laying of the Foundation Stone
The Foundation Stone was laid by The Most Reverend Dr Cosmo Gordon Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury, on 22 July 1936
© The Topical Press Agency; ref. XHN 22/07/36
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Building Work Starts
Construction started on the eastern end of the Cathedral. Note the working practices and clothing used.
© Guildford Cathedral, 5th October 1938
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Visit of Queen Mary
Queen Mary visited the site in April 1937 to assist with the driving of the 778th and final pile into the ground.
© Keystone, London; ref. H2568
