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As our "Tales from the Tour Guide" series draws to a close, we are excited to share the inspiring story of Kirsten Scott, whose deep personal connection to the Cathedral and its unique Anglo-German heritage makes her guiding experience truly special.
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Kirsten’s journey to becoming a tour guide is not just about her faith and her love for history and architecture but also about a profound personal legacy and dedication to recognising the power of reconciliation.
A legacy of connection: George Bell and a German childhood
Kirsten’s decision to become a tour guide at the Cathedral was influenced by her upbringing. Growing up in Berlin, Germany, Kirsten's parents experienced the intense bombing of their city during World War II. In her household, the name George Bell was spoken with great respect. Bishop of Chichester from 1929 to 1958, he was one of the few voices who advocated for the German civilians during the wartime bombings, highlighting their plight and advocating for compassion and understanding.
"My parents often spoke of Bishop Bell," Kirsten recalls. "He was a household name, someone who dared to speak up for ordinary German people when few others did."
A new beginning in Chichester
Love brought Kirsten to Chichester nearly 30 years ago, where she began attending services at the Cathedral. Having grown up Lutheran, she found herself drawn to the Anglican Church appreciating the simple, yet profound, Norman architecture of the Cathedral, a stark contrast to the Baroque opulence she knew from Germany.
"I fell in love with the Cathedral’s style of worship and the simple beauty of its Norman architecture," Kirsten says. "It was so different from the ornate cathedrals and churches of Germany. Chichester felt destined to be my cathedral."
Becoming a Guide
Kirsten’s journey as a guide began with her worship at the Cathedral. When the need for doorkeepers arose, she found herself naturally answering visitors' questions about the Cathedral’s history and architecture. Her fascination with the building and its stories grew, leading her to train formally as a guide. Although the training only occurs every two years, Kirsten was undeterred and completed her induction in the summer of 2019.
"I enjoy meeting people and sharing my love for this place," Kirsten says. "It's a joy to transfer the love I feel for the Cathedral to visitors, and I even get to speak in my native tongue sometimes conducting tours in German."
Guiding through history
Kirsten’s tours often start at the font, following the path of the pilgrims who came to worship and pay homage to St Richard. This approach is unique among the Cathedral's guides, offering visitors a fresh perspective each time. Her route takes visitors past the Arundel Tomb before stopping at the Chapel of St Thomas and St Edmund, located on the north side of the Nave, where Richard de Wych, Bishop of Chichester, was buried after his death in 1253. Following his canonisation in 1262, a magnificent shrine was created for St Richard, behind which the Anglo-German Tapestry now hangs.
A unique perspective on the Anglo-German tapestry
Indeed, it is this area of the Cathedral that is one of Kirsten’s most cherished parts. The beautiful Anglo-German tapestry not only illustrates some of the miracles associated with St Richard but also stands as a symbol of reconciliation and peace between Britain and Germany. The tapestry was commissioned through the efforts of Dean Robert Holtby, who was invited to speak at an event commemorating the German theologian and pacifist Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This connection led to reciprocal visits and eventually to the commissioning of the tapestry from Ursula Benker-Schirmer, a German artist with a studio at West Dean College near Chichester. The Reconciliation Tapestry, as it is sometimes referred to, was largely funded by the German government and represents a journey towards peace and unity.
Celebrating shared histories
Kirsten’s tours are enriched by her personal history and deep understanding of the Cathedral’s connections. The Cathedral’s twin relationships with the German Cathedrals of Berlin, Bayreuth, Bamberg and the recent town twinning with the German town of Speyer, mean she is often called on for bespoke tours for visiting groups in her native German language. Kirsten’s story is a testament to the power of history, personal connection, and the ongoing journey towards understanding and reconciliation. Her dedication ensures that the rich legacy of the Cathedral continues to inspire visitors from near and far.