Lasting symbol of Remembrance carved for Exeter Cathedral

A new carving of a poppy has been completed at Exeter Cathedral in time for Remembrance Sunday.

The decorated “corbel” stone will eventually be added high up on the eastern end of the Cathedral as part of a major programme of works in that area of the building that was funded by the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund. It was carved from a block of Salcombe stone by Gary Morley who has been a member of the Cathedral’s team of masons for over 25 years.

Salcombe stone was originally used in the building of the Cathedral and is still the prescribed material to be used whenever stone replacement is carried out. This carving uses one of the final blocks from the Cathedral’s stockpile; it was announced last month that an ancient quarry at Dunscombe Manor has re-opened to supply Salcombe stone for the next phase of repairs.

The carving will be on display in the Cathedral for the Winter Fair (taking place on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November and will remain inside the building at ground level until after the Remembrance Sunday service at the weekend. It is the first in a series of four new corbels that will be completed and unveiled in the coming months.