St Paul’s World War I altar frontal

On 31st July, 25 Broderers and their guests assembled at St Paul’s to see and hear about the World War I altar frontal.  This was embroidered by wounded soldiers from across the empire at the end of the War.  It remained in use in the Cathedral until 1942 when it was bombed.  The frontal was damaged and placed in store.  On being removed from storage for display on 100th anniversary of the World War I it was decided that a major restoration project was required.  One of the principal restorers is our own Isobel Lattimore who gave a fascinating talk on the frontal. Afterwards she took the party up in two groups to see Triforium where the work had been undertaken.  The other group was taken to the Crypt where the lies the tomb of Flag Lt Harold Charrington and other members of the Palmer Expedition who met a grisly death in the Sinai in 1882.  Unusually the tomb contains the remains of a Jew and a Muslim who formed part of the expedition.  Flag Lt Charrington is an ancestor to the late Past Master Gerald Charrington. After these visits the party attended Evensong, which featured the spirited singing of the Georgia State Boys Choir before going on to a jolly supper nearby.  More information on St Paul’s may be found here: www.stpauls.co.uk/ww1