More details have been released of the service at Worcester Cathedral  to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. 

Being held at 11 am on Saturday 9 August, all members of the public are invited. 

The service will feature an introductory address about local and national reaction to the outbreak of the war, by the historian Dr Victoria Henshaw, as well as the opportunity for people to lay poppies at appropriate memorials within the cathedral. 

The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, will represent the Queen at the service, which will also be attended by serving and retired deputy lieutenants, council members, and representatives from local regiments, veteran organisations and military charities.

Dr Michael Brierley, canon precentor at the cathedral, said, “The anniversary of the First World War is profoundly affecting many people, as so many of our own forebears were directly involved or affected by that conflict. 

This service gives an opportunity to reflect on how human beings can tragically come to the point of war, and to pay tribute to those for whom the outbreak of war would forever change their lives.  Everyone is very welcome to attend.”

The Dean and Chapter and Cathedral staff are commemorating the centenary by offering a number of different ways for visitors to learn more about the Cathedral from 1914 – 18.

During this August there will be the opportunity to join a WWI: Worcester Cathedral Connections Tour.

The new touchscreens inside the Cathedral have information about World War I and Worcester, through which at their own pace visitors can explore the Cathedral’s First World War links and about ‘faith under fire’ both then and now.

To complement this the Cathedral has also  launched an updated APP trail about remembering and looking forward. The App trail touches on the stories of individuals and families, including the sons of those who lived and worked within the Cathedral during WWI.     

Also during August visitors can also read about WWI’s most famous Chaplain Woodbine Willie, through a fascinating exhibition in the Dean’s Chapel, about the life of local Worcester chaplain Rev. Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, vicar of St Paul’s church, who rose to fame during WWI.   

Further details about all these events can be found on www.worcestercathedral.co.uk