When was Southwark Cathedral designated as a cathedral?
The collegiate parish church of St Saviour was designated as a cathedral in 1905 when the Church of England Diocese of Southwark was created.
Questions about Southwark Cathedral
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded the original nunnery at the site of Southwark Cathedral?
A maiden named Mary founded a nunnery long before the Norman Conquest using profits from a ferry she inherited from her parents according to prior Bartholomew Linsted. Later historians suggested the noble lady Swithen was actually Swithun Bishop of Winchester who served from 852 until his death in 863.
What happened to Southwark Cathedral during World War II?
Between the 7th of October 1940 and the 6th of June 1941 alone 1,651 High Explosive Bombs and 20 Parachute Mines were dropped on Southwark. On the 20th of February 1941 it was reported that the cathedral had been damaged by a bomb with shrapnel damage still visible on the outside of the building to this day.
When did Doorkins the cat die and what memorial followed?
The death of Doorkins Magnificat was reported on the 2nd of October 2020 followed by a memorial service held at the cathedral on the 27th of October 2020. She is the subject of the children's book Doorkins the Cathedral Cat and in 2018 was immortalised with a stone gargoyle inside the cathedral.
Who was buried in Southwark Cathedral besides clergy members?
William Shakespeare's brother Edmund was buried there in 1607 though his grave remains unmarked with only a commemorative stone later placed in the paving of the choir. Two dramatists John Fletcher and Philip Massinger were also buried in the church alongside Edward Alleyn who served as an officer and benefactor of the parish charities.