St Paul's Cathedral

The OBE Chapel

At the east end of the Crypt is the OBE Chapel (Chapel of the Order of the British Empire), also known as St Faith’s Chapel.

This was dedicated to the Order of the British Empire in 1960. The glass panels feature the present sovereign, scenes from the Commonwealth, commerce and the royal founders of the Order. Banners hanging from the ceilings represent members of the Royal Family.

The Duke of Edinburgh is the Grand Master of the Order and attends the Service of Dedication which is held every four years. The Queen attends alternate services. The last service was on 21st May 2008, attended by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Order of the British Empire

The Order of the British Empire recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public service and work with charitable and welfare organisations.

It was established during the First World War in 1917 by King George V, to give recognition to larger numbers of people in the British Isles and other parts of the Empire who were helping the war effort.

The Order was the first to appoint women and it also included foreigners who had helped during the war. There are two divisions to the Order, Military and Civil.

There are thought to be more than 100,000 living members of the Order throughout the world. Around 2,000 new members are appointed to the Order every year between the New Year’s and Birthday Honours lists.

These are the different classes of appointment within the Order:

Knight / Dame Grand Cross GBE
Knight / Dame Commander KBE / DBE
Commander CBE
Officer OBE
Member MBE


The OBE Collection
The OBE Collection is a range of classic gifts inspired by the OBE Chapel. The range includes a tie, scarf, cufflinks, goblets and a bracelet. A percentage of all sales goes towards the upkeep of the OBE Chapel.

The range has been created with the 320 year old Royal Warrant holding firm of Toye Kenning & Spencer who are sole suppliers of the buttonhole badges designed to be worn on the everyday clothing of recipients of honours.

Visit the St Paul's Shop to view the OBE Collection
Detail from glass screen in the OBE Chapel, St Paul's Cathedral

Detail from glass screen in the OBE Chapel