Sir Robert Buckland writes for The Church Times
As I settle into my new role as Third Church Estates Commissioner, after many turbulent years in front-line politics and a very public dismissal by the electorate on live television at the General Election just over a year ago, I am relishing my visits to as many cathedrals and churches as possible.
My responsibility for many of our historic buildings should be more than just a book exercise, but a chance to see for myself the hard work being done on the ground to make these historic buildings living and breathing places of faith. From boyhood, my interest in church architecture has been keen, and it is both a joy and privilege for me to return to what was really my first enthusiasm.
Nearly fifty years after my first visit to Chichester Cathedral, I returned last month just before Sussex Day and this year’s important 950th anniversary celebration of the formation of the diocese. This was my third visit in half a century. On my second visit, nearly thirty years ago, a considerable number of friends and I went to Sunday Eucharist. I remember the Dean asking if we were a travelling choir only to be told that we were my Stag party down for a weekend of racing at Goodwood. I think we may have broken new ground, in what may remain an unprecedented departure from the norm!
The twinning of Chichester city with Chartres means that it enjoys significant links with another cathedral that to my mind is the greatest in France and which stands as a supreme example of Gothic architecture. I often imagine what our English cathedrals would have been like if our cathedrals and churches had retained the incredible medieval stained glass like that of Chartres, but we cannot dwell on the mistakes of our forebears.
My third visit to Chichester, albeit a quieter affair, was just as memorable. On a hot and sunny day, I spent time with the Bishop, Dean and Cathedral team, talking all things architectural, musical and financial. To see the Piper tapestry and Chagall window bathed in sunlight brought a new, fresh perspective to these treasures, and it was a delight to speak to the librarians and volunteers, who continue to serve the Cathedral with pride and enthusiasm. I was particularly intrigued to see a book on the study of ants that had been owned by John Donne, which will give me another dimension to think about when re-reading his poetry.
The prayer of St Richard of Chichester is, after the Lord’s Prayer, the earliest prayer that I remember. I took a few moments at his modern shrine behind the High Altar to remember both him and my own spiritual journey in the fifty years since my first visit. Richard was a man of convictions so firm that he was more than prepared to confront Henry III and to stand by principles of truth and justice. Richard set an example for all of us, particularly those in public life, to follow.
His prayer, which he reputedly said near to his death, has evolved in form down the centuries and whilst the “clearly, dearly and nearly” triplet might be a much more modern invention, his direct thanksgiving to Christ, his invocation of Christ’s suffering for our sake and his acknowledgement that as our lives continue, we have to continue working to become ever-closer to Jesus Christ have resonated down the generations.
As I contemplated St Richard’s icon with the image of Our Lord set in the top left corner, reminding us of the directness of his prayer, I thought about my visit to Liverpool Cathedral only a few days before, where another dedicated team of staff and volunteers ensure that the Giles Gilbert Scott masterpiece remains full of life and faith every day.
My journey goes on. Ely, Bristol, Peterborough, Winchester, Durham, York, Newcastle, Carlisle are all part of my summer programme, plus as many parish churches as I can find and my own home berth, Christ Church, Swindon, too. As I wander down the winding road of life, living at a time of great uncertainty, fear and anger both in this country and in our wider world, I cannot think of a simpler and more powerful message of direction, hope and joy than the one first conveyed by St Richard eight centuries ago.
St Richard’s Prayer
Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits which Thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults which Thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
And follow Thee more nearly, day by day.
Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC was appointed Third Church Estates Commissioner earlier this year. A practising barrister and former part-time judge, he was Member of Parliament for South Swindon from 2010-24, Solicitor General 2014-19, Minister of State for Justice 2019, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice 2019-21 and Secretary of State for Wales 2022.
