The Diocesan Coat of Arms The motto reads ‘Under Your Protection’, referring to Our Lady. On the shield appear lilies and choughs, which are symbols of the two patrons of the Diocese, and of the Cathedral – Mary Immaculate and St Thomas of Canterbury.

The Lily - for the Jewish people, the lily was the first sign of Spring which reminds us of the new age that began when Mary gave birth to Our Saviour. For Christians, the lily is also a symbol of purity, reflecting the innocence of Mary in a sinful world.

The Chough – this bird was part of the coat of arms of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who escaped from Northampton castle to a six year exile in France, before being martyred in Canterbury on 29th December 1170. He is the secondary patron of the Diocese and of the Cathedral.

Click here to enter the Diocesan website

Bishop’s Throne
The word ‘cathedral’ derives from the Latin word ‘cathedra’ meaning ‘chair’ or ‘seat’. The Bishop’s throne is a symbol of the Bishop’s teaching authority and of the unity of the Diocese. The present throne was carved by Stephen Foster in the most recent reordering of the sanctuary in 1998 and designed to accompany the Triptych of the Holy Spirit behind it.