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Explore our site

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Close up of embroidery on Jubilee Cope depicting St Paul's and Diocese of London churches

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

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couple reading service schedule during consecration service

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Ways to donate

choristers boys sharing candle light christmas

Ways to donate

Our learning library

Rowan Williams smiling as he leafs through his book at an event at St Paul's Cathedral

Our learning library

Stories from St Paul's podcast

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Stories from St Paul's podcast

Dean Walter Matthews

A portrait of Dean Walter Matthew
Portrait of Dean Walter Matthews, by James Batemen, 1957 (Ref. No. 51)

Dean Walter Matthews

Walter Robert Matthews was born on the 22nd September 1881 in Camberwell. Educated at Kings College London (KCL), he was ordained a deacon in 1907 and a priest in 1908.

After a successful early career, Matthews was appointed Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at KCL, and became Dean of the College in 1918. In 1931 he became Honorary Chaplain to the King and the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, finally becoming Dean of St Paul’s in 1934.

A member of the Modern Church Union, a society aiming to promote liberal values within the Church of England, Matthews was a reformer, who as Dean of St Paul’s was not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Upon arrival, he worked to transform St Paul’s into a vibrant centre of worship and welcome. He overhauled the Cathedral’s finances and record-keeping, and was responsible for many practices that continue today, including the installation of the Christmas tree and decorations.

A letter from Dean Matthews
Photograph of Dean Matthews as featured in the Record of the Friends, 1953

'Comradeship and friendship'

Matthews’ devotion to the Cathedral was fully demonstrated at the outbreak of the Second World War. Working with the Surveyor to the Fabric Godfrey Allen, he brought back the St Paul’s Watch and became an active member himself, helping to operate the internal telephone system on a regular basis.

The community spirit of the Watch was of great importance to Matthews. During the Service of Thanksgiving for the Watch held on 8th May 1945, he recalled:

‘Those nights evoked a spirit we shall never forget. We knew then the comradeship and friendship which come to men and women of goodwill when trivialities fall away and they face realities, realities of life and death, with a common purpose.’

It was with this fond remembrance that he founded the Friends of St Paul’s 7 years later.

Photograph of Dean Walter Matthews
Dean Matthews laying stone for St Paul's Cathedral Choir School on 24 November, 1965 (Ref. No. 1724)

Chair of the Friends, 1952-1967

As well as founding the Friends, Matthews was Chair of the Friends throughout his long tenure as Dean at the Cathedral. He finally retired in 1967, 33 years after he had first joined the Cathedral.

He used his retirement years to write his memoir, Memories and Meanings, published 1969, 4 years before he died at the age of 92. 

More on the story of the Friends

Members of the St Paul's Watch during the Second World War

The St Paul's Watch

Explore the history of the St Paul's Watch and their activities during the Second World War. 

 

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Bomb damage sustained to St Paul's during the Second World War

Wartime damage and repair

It is a common myth that St Paul’s escaped damage during the Blitz, but in fact the Cathedral was to endure two direct hits by high explosives during the Second World War.

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Portrait of Godfrey Allen, Surveyor to the Fabric between 1931 and 1956, taken during the Second World War

Godfrey Allen

Godfrey Allen, Surveyor to the Fabric from 1931-1956 was described as 'the St Paul's terrier', and was devoted to the Cathedral.

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Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother visiting St Paul's

The best club in London

Learn more about the companionable spirit of the St Paul's Watch, and their very special camaraderie.

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Bomb damage to the Cathedral during the Blitz

A flying start: How the Friends were founded

The very first meeting of the Friends of St Paul's took place on a pleasant spring evening, on the 29th April 1952.

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An early newsletter to the Friends of St Paul's

The Friends' early years

The first 10 years of the Friends of St Paul's were a time of great activity, with rapid growth in membership and vital fundraising work.

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Chapel

Achievements through the years

In the 70 years since their foundation, the Friends have made a considerable contribution to the life and welfare of the Cathedral. 

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Our address

St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Churchyard
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EC4M 8AD

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