A new free outdoor exhibition has opened as part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The exhibition, Saving St Paul’s: The Watch and the Second World War, will honour the St Paul’s Watch and their heroic efforts to protect the Cathedral during the Blitz.
Amidst the destruction inflicted by nightly bombing raids on London, St Paul’s remained standing, a symbol of the resilience of the city during one of its darkest times. The secret to its survival was the bravery and dedication of a remarkable group of volunteers known as the St Paul’s Watch. The Watch stood guard when the sky and the city burned around them. They were responsible for putting out fires, preventing bombs from burning through the roof and falling into the Cathedral below.
The Watch were witness to two direct hits on the Cathedral from high explosives in October 1940, and April 1941. The second, in 1941, rocked St Paul’s with the bomb crashing through the roof, detonating mid-air, shaking the Dome, and causing damage that created a hole in the Cathedral floor through which the Crypt could be seen below.
These moments are showcased in the new exhibition and demonstrate the Watch’s courage in the midst of serious danger, ensuring St Paul’s survived the Blitz while other parts of the city lay in ruins.
Commenting on the exhibition, Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor at St Paul’s Cathedral, said:
“The St Paul’s Watch are real heroes of World War II who fearlessly defended St Paul’s during the Blitz. These ordinary citizens showed extraordinary courage in the face of significant danger. St Paul’s still stands boldly in the London skyline acting as a reminder of their bravery. The Cathedral stood as a beacon of resilience for Londoners in the dark times of war, and it continues to act as a symbol of hope, strength and faith in the heart of London.”
A short film ‘The Heroes of St Paul’s Cathedral’ will accompany the exhibition that further highlights the bravery of the Watch.
This is a free, outdoor exhibition located in the Cathedral Garden. It opened last week and will be open during regular visiting times until October 2025.
