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An image of the West front of St Paul's Cathedral in the sunshine

70 years 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.

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.

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.

A portrait of Dean Walter Matthew

Dean Walter Matthews

Walter Matthews became Dean in 1934; a post he would hold for 33 years, during which time he was instrumental in the establishment of the Friends of St Paul's.

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.

A black and white photograph of Dr Potter

Dr Carlyle Thornton Potter: Canadian children's doctor

A profile of Carlyle Thornton Potter, a founding member of the Friends.

A black and white cartoon-like drawing of Elfreda Audsley

Elfreda Audsley: Writer and artist

A profile of Elfreda Audsley, a founding member of the Friends.

A Friend of St Paul's Cathedral working on the roof of the building

Harry Sharr: St Paul's Works Department

A profile of Harry Sharr, a founding member of the Friends.

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.

A black and white photograph of Richard Wakelin on the roof of St Paul's

Richard Wakelin: Architect and surveyor

A profile of Richard Wakelin, a founding member of the Friends.

schools child lying down pointing

Self-Guiding at St Paul's: A Teachers' Manual

A downloadable booklet for teachers to use to prepare for a self-guided visit to St Paul's Cathedral.

Eileen Woods with HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Eileen Woods: Wandsman and Cathedral guide

A profile of Eileen Woods, Wandsman and Cathedral Guide.

Paula Gooder and Bishop Lusa in an online conversation

Where Resurrection Happens: Living the Easter Story Now

Bishop Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy and Dr Paula Gooder in conversation about the resurrection and all things hopeful, including the movements for social and racial justice and contemplative prayer.

Peter Chapman: Former Chorister and Lay Canon

A profile of Peter Chapman, a member of the Friends.

A photo of Alexandra Scott on the Golden Gallery

Alexandra Scott

A profile of Alexandra Scott, a member of the Friends.

Virginia Hopson

A profile of Virginia Hopson, a member of the Friends.

Yodia and her family outside St Paul's

Yodia Lo

A profile of Yodia Lo, a member of the Friends.

An image of the film David's Story

David's Story: Evacuation during World War II

Trained guide and school facilitator David shares his personal story of evacuation from London during World War II.

Sharon Prentis on a busy street in Birmingham town centre

Audacious Hope

Sharon Prentis reflects on how we can live a life grounded in biblical hope.