On Sunday 8 December, during Evensong, the Bishop of Hereford dedicated the new north door draught lobby at Hereford Cathedral.

Since June the Booth Porch entrance into the cathedral has been surrounded by hoardings as construction work has taken place to create a more energy efficient space within the porch area. The installation of automatic glass doors at the entrance to the porch has effectively created an air lock to protect the main seating area from the fierce winds and to help reduce heat loss from the core of the cathedral.

The Booth Porch at night

The addition of glass doors has also given easier access and better visibility into and out of the building, providing a much brighter and more welcoming entrance into the cathedral.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, said: “I am delighted to see the Booth Porch reopened in time to welcome worshippers and visitors to the cathedral this Christmas. The new glass doors will make it much easier for us to share our ministry and work with those who are walking through the Cathedral Close and help us to provide a much warmer welcome from the minute people approach the building.

Hereford Cathedral is here for everyone and it is our hope that these works will help us to open the doors, not only to our building, but also God’s story and our faith.”

Emma Maggs, Head of Development, said: “The Booth Porch Project was generously supported by The Jordan Foundation, in memory of Jeremy and Anne Clay who were both great supporters of the Cathedral during their lifetime. This project demonstrates how gifts, large and small, breathe new life into the Cathedral, allowing us to preserve its rich heritage while creating a space that welcomes all.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we warmly invite others to follow in the footsteps of The Jordan Foundation. Every contribution shapes the future of Hereford Cathedral, ensuring it remains a place of faith, heritage, and community for centuries to come.”

Hereford Cathedral is immensely grateful to the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust for their help in securing this funding, the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, for granting permission for these works to take place; and to the Fabric Advisory Committee which is chaired by Lord Lisvane, for their helpful guidance.

The cathedral would also like to express its thanks to its visitors and wider cathedral community for their support and patience during the works, as well as the many contractors who worked on the project; CJ Bayliss (Hereford) Ltd, GEZE UK Ltd, IQ Glass Ltd, Simon Hudson Masonry, Brockweir Glass Studios, A&E Fire & Security, Strobe Electrical, Greenwood Projects Ltd, Richard K Morriss, Frank W. Haywood & Associates Ltd, Light Perceptions Ltd and Robert Kilgour Architects Ltd.

The Booth Porch entrance to the cathedral has now reopened to the public in time for the many services and events which will take place throughout Advent and Christmas. 

Banner Image: The Dedication of the North Porch taken by Gordon Taylor