The American Memorial Chapel

The Memorial stands behind the high altar, a privileged position in this building full of history and marvelous art work. Right above the Memorial is the most important mosaic of the cathedral, the Risen Christ in Glory, designed by William Blake Richmond.  

The Memorial includes three stained glass panels with Biblical images surrounded by the flags of the 48 states and 4 territories in existence in 1958. The chapel is decorated by fine woodcarving depicting the flora and fauna of North America. 

At the heart of the chapel sits The Roll of Honour, a 473 pages long book containing a personal message from General Eisenhower and the name, rank and service details of the 28,000 American soldiers stationed in Great Britain who gave their lives throughout the War. The dedication of the Roll was attended by the Royal Family and broadcasted to 2.5 million in the United Kingdom. 

Beyond its artistic qualities, the Memorial has further strengthened the bonds between the United States and Great Britain, and particularly that of St Paul’s and the American people. A Thanksgiving Day service has been held here since 1958, and the Cathedral has responded to every major event in the American life, holding, for example, a memorial to President John Kennedy and a remembrance service to the victims of 9/11. 

The American people embraced St Paul’s largest renovation, the Cathedral’s 300th Anniversary Restoration Campaign, by supporting, among other things, the cleaning and restoration of the American Memorial Chapel, concluded in its 50th anniversary, in 2008, and a Chorister Tour across the United States in its 60th anniversary, in 2018. This emblematic memorial in one of Britain’s most iconic buildings stands as a symbol of hope and the bond of friendship between Great Britain and the United States.