The High Altar

For 1300 years people have gathered around and altar here to break bread together in the Holy Eucharist. Still we come to hear the teaching of Jesus, to pray, to share the bread of life and the cup of salvation as did Worcester’s two great saints, Oswald (925-992) and Wulstan (c. 1008-1095), whose remains were interred in this sanctuary after their shrines were removed in 1538.

William Hamilton, the Royalist commander who died of wounds received at the battle of Worcester in 1651, also rests here. The screen behind the altar is Victorian and shows Christ in majesty seated between the four Evangelists. This screen replaced an earlier one which now stands across the entrance to the chapel of St George visible from here. The hanging in front of the altar made by local artists in 1969 shows the colours of the liturgical year and represents the Cathedral’s pinnacles reflected in the waters of the river Severn flowing nearby.

“Do this in remembrance of me”

“As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes”*

*From a sign in the quire facing the altar

9 Comments CherryPie on Jun 24th 2017

9 Responses to “The High Altar – Worcester Cathedral”

  1. Nikki-ann says:

    What a wonderful alter! I’ve never been to Worcester, but I would love to go some time. It looks like a lovely place to visit.

  2. The cathedral looks even more impressive from the park across the river.
    Did you take any pictures there?

  3. james higham says:

    What is that garish thing in front of it, completely out of keeping?

    • Amfortas says:

      The Infernal Influence is up front and central.

    • CherryPie says:

      It is actually quite striking when taken in context with the wider surroundings (including the ceiling). Unfortunately I was not able to take a photograph of the wider context due to the numbers of children in the Cathedral on a pilgrimage.