Cathedral of St John the Evangelist

The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist is a Gothic Revival building constructed from Fareham Red Brick with Portland stone accents in Portsmouth. The structure displays characteristic features of this architectural period, including a thoughtfully designed floor plan and detailed facade work.

Construction started in 1882 under architect Joseph Hansom, following initial designs by John Crawley, and it became the first cathedral built in the city. This project marked an important moment in establishing a permanent Catholic center in Portsmouth.

This cathedral serves as the mother church for the Portsmouth diocese and hosts regular Catholic worship. The community maintains a strong musical tradition, with choirs that perform during special occasions and celebrations throughout the year.

The building opens daily for visitors and offers guided tours alongside regular worship services. The on-site Discovery Centre provides information and learning programs throughout the year.

An eight-foot bronze statue of St John the Evangelist has stood outside the entrance since 2010. The ground conditions prevented the original plan to add a spire, a detail that shaped the building's outline.

Location: City of Portsmouth

Inception: 1882

Architects: Joseph Hansom

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.80035,-1.09429

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47