Bristol Cathedral remembers the First World War - and invites you to get involved
Sombre the night is.
And though we have our lives, we know
What sinister threat lurks there.
Isaac Rosenberg, Bristol Poet
d. 1April 1918
Isaac Rosenberg was a Bristolian War Poet who died on the Western Front in 1918. His words remind us of the fragility of life and freedom and of the immeasurable sacrifice made by his generation of young men and women.
Bristol Cathedral, as the Mother Church of the Diocese and as a focal point in the city, plans to provide a space where memories of the fallen are gathered from the local community, and honoured through shared remembrance during the anniversary of the conflict.
For each month of the war, we will mark the death of a different fallen soldier or civilian from the Diocese of Bristol; from privates to generals, from those who were awarded the Victoria Cross and those who were executed for desertion.
Our stories will come from South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon and North Wiltshire and will be shared in an electronic Book of Remembrance, available to view in the Cathedral or via our website.
Our Garden of Peace will grow throughout the memorial months, providing a quiet and safe space for people to pray, reflect and share their thoughts and memories.
How to get involved
A central part of the project, is public participation and the Cathedralwould love to hear from you. If you, your family, your club, your church or your friends have stories, photos or simply a name that youd like us to remember, pleaseemail Mike Hoyle
As well as creating a Book of Remembrance, the Cathedralwill host a series of Requiem Masses during which these names are spoken aloud and remembered. There will also be a host of special events, services and talks throughout the period.
Visit www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk to find out more.