For over 800 years people have been inspired and moved by the history and beauty of Portsmouth Cathedral. From humble beginnings in 1180 at the heart of Portsmouth's original settlement, this church, dedicated to Thomas Becket, became a parish church around 1320 and a Cathedral in 1927. It has been integral to the development of Portsmouth as a modern, vibrant city. The Cathedral reflects the constantly changing, growing and unfolding of the Christian faith, displaying a harmony of three distinct architectural styles which provide a source of light, warmth and space. On your "voyage of discovery" you will see the close connections of the 'Cathedral of the Sea' with the seafaring community and the Royal Navy from the church's foundation.