Press Releases05 Nov 24

Sharing stories of five cathedrals through the post

As we share the good news that St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, will become more familiar to many people sending and receiving mail this Christmas, we celebrate the stories of all five cathedrals which are being featured in this unique way.

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Church of Ireland)

The Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Patrick in Armagh stands on the hill from which the city derives its name: Ard Macha, or the Height of Macha. Patrick, originally from western Britain, came to Armagh in the 5th century and was said to have established here the Great Stone Church, which he ordained should have pre–eminence over all the churches of Ireland. To this day, Armagh remains the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

The building has been destroyed and rebuilt on at least 17 occasions, with the construction of the current cathedral beginning in the 13th century. St Patrick’s boasts fine stained glass and monuments and is known for its choral music tradition, going back over a thousand years.

There are two cathedrals in Armagh dedicated to St Patrick. The Church of Ireland one can be recognised by its low, square tower, while the Roman Catholic one has twin spires. They sit on opposite hills, but a Cathedrals’ Partnership links the two congregations and aims to make the two iconic buildings symbols of mutual understanding, reconciliation and hope. At Christmas, the message proclaimed from Armagh is the same as that of the angels over Bethlehem: “Peace on earth, goodwill to all people.”

St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh

St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, designed by Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott, boldly harks back to upwardly soaring medieval Gothic cathedrals, with its three spires dominating Edinburgh. Consecrated in 1879, St Mary’s is the largest cathedral in Scotland today and maintains the tradition of regular choral worship, never more elaborate than at Christmas.

Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool acquired an immense new cathedral for the 20th century, designed by the young architect Giles Gilbert Scott. Consecrated in 1924, the cathedral was not completed until 1978. In what is often called ‘the people’s cathedral’, breathtaking heights and a sense of space combine with beautiful craftsmanship.

St Deiniol’s Cathedral, Bangor / Cadeirlan Deiniol Sant ym Mangor

Bangor Cathedral stands where St Deiniol established his Celtic monastery in the 6th century. Battered by medieval wars between the princes of Gwynedd and the English kings, the cathedral now celebrates the languages, cultures and landscapes of Wales. Every Sunday and on Christmas Day, Welsh and English coexist in worship and prayer.

Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster. It was designed by John Francis Bentley in a neo–Byzantine style and built between 1895 and 1903. Candlelit Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve ushers in the celebration of the birth of Christ.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre–order from today (Tuesday, 5th November) at www.royalmail.com/christmas2024 and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all five stamps is priced at £10.35.