Brentwood Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Mary and St Helen, commonly known as Brentwood Cathedral, is a significant ecclesiastical building located in Brentwood, Essex, England. It serves as the principal church and seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brentwood. Its history is marked by transformation, evolving from a modest parish church into a contemporary cathedral.

History and Development

The origins of Brentwood Cathedral trace back to 1861 when a parish church was constructed in the Gothic style. This relatively small structure was later elevated to cathedral status in 1917, signifying its increased importance within the diocese. A comprehensive enlargement and redesign project took place between 1989 and 1991, led by the acclaimed architect Quinlan Terry. This extensive work saw the church expanded in an Italianate classical style, replacing an earlier extension from 1974. The newly dedicated cathedral was consecrated by Cardinal Hume on May 31, 1991, funded by anonymous donors. In recognition of its architectural and historical merit, the cathedral was listed at Grade II* in 2022.

Architectural Design

Quinlan Terry's design for the enlarged cathedral drew inspiration from a blend of early Italian Renaissance aesthetics and the English Baroque style exemplified by Christopher Wren. This approach was chosen to create a space suitable for the town and its conservation area, and crucially, to provide an appropriate setting for liturgical celebration with optimal space and light. The cathedral is designed around a square plan, with the high altar centrally placed within the nave to accommodate post-Vatican II liturgical practices. Construction of this new phase began in 1989 and concluded two years later.

The north elevation features nine bays articulated by Doric pilasters, punctuated by a large half-circular portico reminiscent of one at St Paul's Cathedral. The clerestory, constructed from traditional Smeed Dean brick, rises to an octagonal lantern or cupola, which forms the highest point both externally and internally. A deliberate architectural decision was made to retain a portion of the original 1861 Gothic Revival church, creating a juxtaposition with the new classical structure. The east elevation visually links the old and new elements through the scale of the 1991 building and the use of ragstone and Welsh slate roof tiles.

Internally, all the classical architectural orders are represented, including giant Doric pilasters, a Tuscan arcade, Ionic pilasters on Palladian windows in the aisles, and Corinthian and Composite influences evident on the cathedral and its organ case. The interior is designed to feel restrained, with richness concentrated in the ceiling. Dominant decorative elements include Roman key and double guilloche patterns picked out in gold leaf. The round-headed windows are in the style of Wren and feature clear leaded lights made from handmade glass. The cathedral's clear windows on all sides, coupled with white walls and a stone floor, create a translucent effect intended to uplift the spirit and convey a sense of the divine presence.

Furnishings and Artistry

Among the notable interior features is a processional cross, a copy of a medieval design, depicting Christ with a crown of the Risen Lord while bearing the corpus of the crucified Saviour, representing a transitional theological perspective. The Bishop's chair, or cathedra, crafted from Nabrassina stone with Portland stone steps, is a significant marker of the bishop's authority over the diocese, bearing the diocesan coat of arms and inlaid with slate to match the floor. Consecration crosses are incised into the stone of the Doric pilasters, signifying the dedication of the entire building to God. The east aisle houses rooms for confession, opposite which stands a crucifix formerly located in the church at Stock, Essex. The arcade is adorned with terracotta roundels depicting the fifteen Stations of the Cross, modelled by Raphael Maklouf, known for his work on Commonwealth coinage. These roundels, with their subtle glaze, are noted for their intimate expression of the familiar scenes.

Music and Choir

The musical life of Brentwood Cathedral and its diocese is managed by Brentwood Cathedral Music. Andrew Wright, the Master of Music, appointed in 1982, also serves as Director of Diocesan Music. He founded the cathedral choir in 1984, which has since expanded to include boys, girls, ladies, gentlemen, and lay clerks. The choir has achieved international recognition through recordings, BBC Radio broadcasts, and concert tours across Europe. The choir is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) and maintains musical and ecumenical connections with the Diocese of Chelmsford and Chelmsford Cathedral Choir. The cathedral's organ was a gift from the Diocese of Chelmsford, originally from the redundant Anglican church of St Mary-at-the-Walls in Colchester, dating from 1889 and subsequently rebuilt and restored.