As we approach a landmark anniversary in British history, our next blog in our Chichester950 series - exploring the artefacts within our year-long exhibition Religion, Rebellion and Reformation - offers a moment to pause and reflect on how faith sustained individuals and communities during times of war.
Thursday 8th May marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War. On that day in 1945 millions of people took to the streets to celebrate with parades and parties, but not forgetting the many people who had lost their lives, paying the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedom we enjoy today. On VE Day we remember and honour them.
The impact of World War II on faith communities was profound. For many, including the soldiers on the front line, faith provided solace and strength during a terrifying time and Christianity also played a significant role in British national life with religious figures and groups involved in the war effort.
Many of the artefacts showcased in our Chichester950 exhibition Religion, Rebellion & Reformation, explore the comfort people found in faith during times of war. Amongst the treasures on show is a well-used pocket Bible belonging to Sussex soldier, Private J Unwin. Carried through the battlefields of World War I, the prayer book contains handwritten notes in the margins and a pressed flower from the fields of Macedonia tucked into the front page. Private J Unwin was killed in action at Kato, Kresoves in May 1917. His Bible demonstrates the resilience his faith provided during this frightening time. A key symbol of Christianity, crucifixes have been a consistent source of strength for many soldiers at war.
We have two poignant examples on display in our exhibition. The first a wooden crucifix, carved from duckboards in the World War I trenches, and the second a field crucifix given to Lt John Peplow, Royal Sussex Regiment, on the beach at Dunkirk in May 1940. Lt Peplow was assigned as an armed escort to the Divisional Padre, as he comforted the wounded and gave the last rights to dying soldiers. As they prepared to leave on different rescue ships, the padre gave his field crucifix to Lt Peplow. The above pieces are treasures from relatively recent years, however Religion, Rebellion & Reformation also explores the poignant connection between faith and turbulent times going back hundreds of years.
Beyond the artefacts, the exhibition also highlights the Cathedral’s own military heritage. Within its ancient walls are three service chapels - St George’s Chapel a memorial chapel to the Sussex Regiment, the Chapel of St Michael and All Angels, also known as the Sailors' Chapel and the Chapel of St Clement, a memorial to the Royal Air Force - each bearing witness to centuries of remembrance and reflection for those who served.
Religion, Rebellion & Reformation is part of Chichester Cathedral’s 950th anniversary programme and is on display until Saturday 15th November 2025. The exhibition is free to visit, with a suggested donation of £5.00 per person. The Cathedral is open from Monday – Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm and on Sunday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm. Plan your visit here.