Portsmouth Cathedral is unique in that it has the name of another city in its title, The Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury. It is also known as the Cathedral of the Sea. It is a relatively new Cathedral being established in 1930 and finally completed its building in 1990 with the Nave built on to the 12th Century Lady Chapel. And no evidence of Gilbert Scott anywhere!

In the interests of trying to be more Christ like, something Dorothy says that we should aspire to, the best approach to city centre cathedral visiting is to use the Park and Ride. This has nothing to do with sustainability rather than a fear of lack of tolerance demonstrated by whoever is driving at the time!

The Portsmouth Park and Ride is a double decker affair and as we were last on all the families had chosen to sit downstairs so Kit demonstrated great mountaineering skills climbing the steps to the upper deck. Dropping us off at the bus station we walked to the cathedral, in bright sunshine, admiring the sea views including the Spinnaker Tower and a huge multistorey boat parking lot wondering how the boats were delivered to the water.

Outside the cathedral we had to have a coffee from the converted horsebox and stared up at the appropriate ship weathervane. This is the city of Nelson and the Royal Navy after all. It has octagonal bell towers which echo the Wren like architecture of the naval buildings in the city.

Entering the cathedral we were greeted with “you must be our pilgrims”! Passports stamped and purchases made at the excellent shop including cathedral mustard, a first Dean Anthony came especially to see us. He was very welcoming, like all the staff and keen to hear about Jeel.