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The Chapel of St George

The entrance to the Chapel of St George is flanked by the figures of St George, the Patron Saint of England, and St Michael the Archangel, protector and champion of the Church in heaven and on earth.

Originally planned as the high sanctuary of the re-orientated Cathedral, it is now the Regimental Chapel of the York and Lancaster Regiment.

As you enter the chapel from the nave you see a white stone memorial with brass lettering set into the floor. It reads: ‘Dedicated to the memory of all ranks of the York and Lancaster Regiment who gave their lives for their country and in the service of the Regiment since its formation in 1758’.

On your left is a stained glass window depicting decorations awarded to members of the Regiment. From top to bottom these are: the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Military Cross and the Military Medal. Behind each is the ribbon worn with the decoration.

Strong links between the City, the Cathedral and successive ships bearing the name HMS Sheffield are commemorated by the large white ensign (flag). It was made by the women of Sheffield for the first HMS Sheffield, which was in action during the Second World War.

Underneath is the quarterdeck badge with a stainless steel plaque on the wall giving a full description of the ship’s service.

There is also a plaque commemorating those of the second HMS Sheffield who lost their lives during the Falklands conflict. There are other regimental memorials for those who fell in the First World War.

The four small stained glass windows depict emblems and episodes in the history of the York and Lancaster Regiment. Within the windows are the ribbons of campaign medals awarded for service.

From left to right:

Salonika

Left panel: the ‘Royal Tiger’ Badge of 65th Foot granted for distinguished service in India in 1823, with the Queen’s South Africa Medal ribbon below.

Right panel: a picture of Salonika Bay (1916).

Burma

Left panel: a lion guard dog of temples in green bronze.

Right panel: soldiers crossing a river to take posession of the temples occupied by Japanese forces during the Second World War.

Combined Operations - Europe

Left panel: the Allied landings in June 1944, with the infantry wading ashore from the landing craft. One tank and some infantry have already reached the shore.

Right panel: a Polar Bear, the sign of the 49th West Riding Division. The Hallamshires were with this Division throughout the Second World War.

Suvla Bay, Gallipoli

Left panel: troops coming ashore in small boats. The 6th Battalion was the only York and Lancaster Battalion to fight in Gallipoli (1915-16).

Right panel: the old badge of the 84th Foot 1793-1947.

Hanging above the windows are some Regimental Colours. Within the windows are decorations awarded for service and gallantry in action.

Flags in St George's Chapel Below the stained glass windows are three cases containing the ‘Roll of Honour’ Books of the York and Lancaster Regiment 1914-1968.

On either side of the altar stand the figures of St Oswald of Northumbria and St Martin of Tours. Oswald was a famous 7th century Christian soldier and the first of the English royal saints. Martin was a 4th century Roman soldier who became a Bishop, exchanging military service for the service of Christ. He was renowned for his compassion and humility. When St Augustine came to England he dedicated his first church at Canterbury to St Martin.

The memorial screen of swords and bayonets is said to be unique. It was given by ‘All Ranks of 1st Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment’ on its disbandment (14th December 1968) in memory of all who gave their lives while serving with the Regiment.

Royal Navy bronze momument The screen signifies the continuance of service, with the swords being pointed upwards; the bayonets pointed downwards signify the laying aside of weapons of war.

Above the screen are more Regimental Colours, and on the oak stalls in the Chapel are names inscribed in memory of some members of the Regiment.

As you leave the Chapel by the steps to the right of the altar you will see the bronze anchor memorial. It was made by Stephen Broadbent and placed in the Cathedral in 2000.

The memorial commemorates the special relationship between the City of Sheffield and the ships of the Royal Navy bearing the City’s name.

You can download our leaflet about St George's Chapel here.