Now and Then

One photograph taken at the turn of the twentieth century - judging by the Hansom Cab that stands near the side of the Cathedral - and the other snapped this morning. The Cathedral, of course, remains the same, but the environment changes. The row of buildings that used to stand in front of the Cathedral (seen above, right) is gone; parishioners tell me it was known as 'little vatican', as the buildings housed many Catholic businesses - The Catholic Truth Society, Burns and Oates, Vanpoules, among others. Now, one can see across Victoria Street the glass and steel hulk of Cardinal Place shopping centre.

The post box has departed, the cars have arrived, street lamps have changed position, but otherwise the Cathedral (and the iron railings of the Choir School) is in good shape!