Truro Cathedral is the masterpiece of John Loughborough Pearson, and the mother church of the diocese of Truro. Its story begins in 1877, when the diocese of Truro was created to reflect Cornwall's growing population. (There has been an earlier See based in St Germans, but this was merged with Exeter after the Norman Conquest). It's first Bishop, Edward White Benson, wanted to create a suitably impressive new cathedral to cement the life of the new diocese, and make an emphatic statement about the position of the established church. Benson had worked with Pearson before and, after a limited competition, Pearson was selected as the architect (despite not having entered). Pearson vowed to create a church "to bring people to their knees" and did so with a building in a perfect 13th Century Early Gothic style. A mixture of English and Norman influences, its two western spires and main central spire form an instantly recognisable landmark in the small city. Built between 1880 and 1910 (it was completed after Pearson's death in 1897 by his son), it consists of an aisled nave of 8 bays, transepts, and a choir of 7 bays with a retrochoir. It is vaulted throughout, with granite walls, and piers and dressings in creamy Bath stone. On the south side it has a baptistery with an elaborate font. Beyond is the St Mary's aisle, created from the aisle of the former Parish church, built in the early 16th Century. With its barrel vaulted roof and perpendicular gothic windows, it provides a stark contrast to the rest of the building. Aside from the font, the Cathedral boasts the largest single scheme of Victorian stained glass in England, all by Clayton & Bell; and memorials from the old parish church, the mist impressive of which is the 17th Century memorial to John (d. 1614) and Philippa Robartes, their effigies flanked by statues of Father Time and Death. The cathedral has a calendar of regular worship, with regular concerts and festivals. It also has a nice gift shop and cafe. read more

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Beautiful building, although young in its age compared to rest of land. A wonder to see it's beauty.

I love this place - one of the most beautiful churches I've ever been into. It's a neo-gothic Cathedral, so while it looks ancient, it's actually quiet recently built (1700 or 1800's), so it has a warmth to it (probably from the lighting and creamy stone, vs. grey stone) that makes it seem so welcoming and calming. Check out the Rose windows, the soaring arches, the delicate statues and carvings on the exterior of the building and inside. Get a laugh out of the mini model of it made out of popsicle sticks. It's well worth the visit if you're interested in architecture (you can leave a donation or come in for free), and they're happy for you to take photos as long as a service isn't happening. I don't attend services here as I'm not religious, but i'm always made to feel welcome by those who are on staff when I drop in for a few minutes, so I would hope that carries over to the preaching (note for those interested in attending services: they're a High Anglican church). Although this IS a religious site, vs. a retail one, they also have a lovely Christmas shop tucked into the corner during the early winter (handmade, one of a kind decorations) and the cafe that's built out the back offers terrific food and drinks in a really comfortable atmosphere AND at a good price. read more

My friend Jack loves Jesus and is always talking about him and saying how great he is. So when I told him we were going to Truro he started to pee his pants with excitement at the thought of meeting Jesus here and sitting on his lap and getting a present. We parked in the shopping centre parking lot and wandered around and then after lunch I took him to see it. He was so excited and was running around trying to find Jesus and asking the volunteers where he could find Jesus and they were all being nice and caring. The day did take a turn for the worse though when the awful realisation occurred to him that Jesus wasn't there. I told Jack to light a candle and asked if one of the guys who was working there would put on a red suit and a beard that I had with me in my bag and just quickly say hi to Jack. He was a sweetheart and did it and jack sat on his lap in the pews and really had the biggest smile on his face. read more