.jpg)
Welcome to the next chapter in our “Tales from the Tour Guide” series where we shine a spotlight on some of the volunteers who bring history to life here at the Cathedral.
For this third instalment, we chatted with Hilly Sloan. Hilly’s interest in history extends far beyond kings, queens and artefacts to the people at the heart of the stories. With decades of experience in sharing tales of the past, first as a London Blue Badge Tour Guide and now as a valued member of the Cathedral’s team, Hilly has a fascination with history, anthropology and the way we used to live.
The Souls Behind The Stories
Hilly’s interest in history began when she would explore her 600-year-old home as a child, this developed into a lifelong curiosity about how people lived and the stories that connect us to the past.
From her time in London as a Blue Badge Tour Guide to moving to the South Coast more than 30 years ago and embarking on a degree in History at Chichester University, Hilly has immersed herself in discovering more about the souls behind the stories, digging deeper into our fascinating history both locally and beyond, and developing a further understanding of times gone by.
In her role at the Cathedral, Hilly aims to offer a people-centric approach to tours. Providing a positive visitor experience is at the forefront of any tour she delivers and she is always conscious of tailoring tours to the individual interests of the group.
Art and Spirituality
Hilly has an interest in the close relationship between art and religion and also how spirituality can be displayed through art. At the Cathedral this relationship can be seen not only in the contrast of modern tapestries adorning the ancient walls but also in the architecture of the building itself.
Unlike other similar spaces, the Cathedral is not packed full of monuments which allows the beauty of the structure to take centre stage. From the soft curve of the arches to the sloping stone of the vaulted roof and the stained glass casting an otherworldly glow from the windows, the building itself tells many tales.
Forging Connections
More so than any individual artefact, it is the sense of sanctuary and connection the Cathedral provides which Hilly finds important. Opening visitors’ eyes to the peace of the building itself and its connection to the community as well as the rich history and incredible stories it holds is part of what makes her role as volunteer so rewarding.
Occasionally when visitors first walk through the Cathedral doors, Hilly senses they do so with a sense of trepidation. Her approach means she is keen to not overpower with endless facts, instead, she ensures her tours are led by each individual group and their interests. Guiding visitors through the incredible space and bringing history to life with storytelling, Hilly also provides time to soak in the tranquillity and atmosphere of the building as it stands today.
Hilly presents the Cathedral as more than simply a museum of artefacts and historic stories. She believes that the peaceful space is a refuge for all, whatever their belief and the story of the Cathedral is one that is still evolving.
For Hilly, religious spaces are all about connection - connection with a higher power, with history, with oneself or connection within your community. Part of the essence of what makes the Cathedral so special is its ability to facilitate this connection. Hilly knows that although not every fact she imparts will be remembered, that feeling of connection will remain. She believes the Guides at the Cathedral have an opportunity to enrich someone else’s day, whether that is a person who was previously unsure about visiting the Cathedral or someone lonely in need of connection.