About us
From humble beginnings in 1180 at the heart of Portsmouth's original settlement, this church, dedicated to Thomas Becket, became a parish church around 1320 and a Cathedral in 1927. It has been integral to the development of Portsmouth as a modern, vibrant city.
Portsmouth Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Portsmouth, which covers south-east Hampshire, Portsea Island and the Isle of Wight. The focal point for many diocese-wide services and events, we host many diocesan events from confirmation services to the ordinations of new ministers. Worship in a variety of different styles is available throughout the year, from daily Holy Communion, to our informal family service #PompeySundays. We warmly welcome all through our doors, as a beacon and safe haven anchored in Jesus Christ. We are also the Parish Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, serving all who live in our geographical parish rather like any other smaller parish church.
Since humble beginnings in 1180, we have for centuries the Cathedral watched, listened and helped the people of Portsmouth navigate the passage of time. We have witnessed wars and peace, famous marriages, been bombed and rebuilt. The Cathedral reflects the constantly changing, growing and unfolding of the Christian faith, displaying a harmony of three distinct architectural styles which provide a source of light, warmth and space.
The governance of Portsmouth Cathedral is regulated by Statute, as required by the Cathedrals Measure 2021. The corporate body of Portsmouth Cathedral is the Chapter.
The governance of the Cathedral changed in December 2023 when the new Constitution and Statutes came into effect. The Cathedral will come under the joint jurisdiction of the Church Commissioners and Charity Commission in March 2024. More details about the Cathedrals Measure are here.
