Salisbury Cathedral installs first new nave altars in 500 years

The altars were consecrated by the Right Revd Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, during the 10.30am Eucharist on Sunday, January 14.

This is the first time in 500 years that a new altar has been consecrated in the Cathedral Nave and at least 20 years since the decision was taken to re-order the cathedral.

The altars, which will be placed in the Spire Crossing and Trinity Chapel respectively, are a collaboration between sculptor William Pye and furniture maker Luke Hughes, a former Salisbury Cathedral School pupil who won a design competition in 2018.

From left to right, sculptor William Pye, Bishop of Salisbury Right Revd Stephen Lake and designer Luke Hughes. (Image: Finnbarr Webster)

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William said: “It is deliberate that the altars strongly echo the vernacular of the font and the cathedral architecture. I wanted the altars to belong to the space, whilst making a statement. And just as the font has become part of the visitor experience and worship, I hope these two new altars will also form part of that experience.”

Luke, who was responsible for planning the space and building the raised platforms (known as daises) for the altars, said: “My passion lies in creating and crafting ‘furniture’ that enhances ancient spaces like Salisbury Cathedral. In this case, I not only had to respond to the building but also to William Pye’s design.”

Luke’s daises, made in oak and shaped to mirror each altar, have been designed and constructed in such a way that what looks like a solid structure is in fact made up of a series of interlocking parts that sit on wheels.

The Revd Anna Macham, Canon Precentor of Salisbury Cathedral with responsibility for liturgy and music, said: “For a long time we have made good with various arrangements of carpeted staging blocks and temporary altars, so to see the new altars in place is inspiring. In both cases the space in which each new altar stands is significant.

"The Trinity Chapel is where prayer is offered every morning of the year, and the Spire Crossing is where the principal Sunday services and great seasonal liturgies are celebrated. The aesthetic link between the font and the altars is powerful too, tracing the Christian journey that begins at the font through to the quiet, reflective chapel at the east end of the cathedral.”