THEN & NOW

REGIMENTAL CHAPEL, MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL Welcome to Then and Now, where each week we compare images of Manchester streets, landmarks and buildings from bygone days with how they look today

OUR main image this week shows the reconstructed Regimental Chapel at Manchester Cathedral in November 1951, shortly before its rededication in the presence of the Queen.

The chapel was destroyed on December 23rd 1940 when a German land-mine exploded just outside its north eastern corner. Not even the foundations survived.

The altar cross, candlesticks and memorial books had fortunately been removed to a safe place days before.

Rebuilding started in 1946 under architect Sir Hubert Worthington, who wanted to glaze all the windows in clear glass to bring light into the darkest part of the cathedral.

After Worthington’s death in 1964, Margaret Traherne was commissioned to create a lasting memorial to him in the east window. The clear glass was replaced with a vibrant mix of red and orange to symbolise fire and its associations with war, sacrifice and resurrection.

The window has become known as the ‘Blitz Window’ by old comrades of the Manchester Regiment as it reminded them of the flames that rose from the cathedral in 1940.

The colours can clearly be seen as light streams through the glass in photographer Nicola Mazzuia’s striking modern image, illuminating the regimental battle honours hanging from the walls.

The chapel was damaged again on Saturday June 15th 1996 when a 1,500 kilo lorry bomb was detonated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Corporation Street.

Glass was blown out of the Worthington Memorial Window, leading to further restoration work.

Many more images from Then and Now are featured in The Changing Face of Manchester published to mark the 150th anniversary of the M.E.N. It’s on sale at £14.99 including postage and packing. Order your copy online at inostalgia.co.uk or ring the order hotline on 01928 503777.