The land on which the Cathedral stands is vested in the Diocese of Huron. The original churchyard once served the growing village of London, and while most remains were later transferred to Woodland Cemetery — still owned and operated by St. Paul’s — a few early tombstones remain on the grounds as quiet witnesses to the city’s beginnings.
High on the exterior tower wall is the date 1845. Built with thick masonry to support a peal of six bells, the tower has evolved over time: the original six were replaced by a ten-bell chime in 1901 and recast into eleven bells in 1935. The clock, installed in 1901, features three faces each over five feet wide. Generations of bell ringers have pencilled notes inside the loft marking great moments in the Cathedral’s life. The gargoyles crowning the tower were carved from Portland stone — the same quarry used by Sir Christopher Wren for St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England.
The narthex contains significant memorials, including the monument to the men of H.M. 23rd Regiment (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) who fell at the Battle of Alma in 1854. It also houses a cross from Canterbury Cathedral, marble from St. Paul’s in London, England, and the original Cronyn family tombstone.
The Cathedral’s interior has evolved through major renovations in 1869 and 1892, resulting in the spacious chancel and wide transepts seen today. Galleries were removed, structural beams installed, and pillars eliminated to open the space. The Carrara marble font commemorates Dean G.M. Innes. The Lady Chapel, St. David’s Chapel, and various memorial furnishings reflect successive generations of clergy and parishioners. Military Colours of former London regiments are laid up in the transepts, honouring the Cathedral’s longstanding military connections.
Much of the carved woodwork was crafted by Bavarian artisans from the Globe Furniture Company in Waterloo, Ontario. The Bishop’s Cathedra commemorates Bishop Cronyn. The sanctuary was enhanced in the mid-20th century with a new altar, reredos, and paneling. The present organ, built by Casavant Frères and dedicated in 1953, stands as a memorial to parish members who served in the two World Wars.
The Cathedral’s stained glass spans generations and artistic traditions. Works by Christopher Wallis trace the Cathedral’s development and celebrate milestones such as its 150th anniversary. Windows from Maile Studios of Canterbury and masterpieces by Louis Tiffany grace the nave. The immense transept windows, installed in the 1890s renovation, dominate the space with colour and light.
Sanctuary windows commemorate prominent London citizens, clergy, and early settlers. Additional memorial windows honour figures connected to education, medicine, and civic life. The contemporary window in St. Aidan’s Chapel, created by Shirley Stertz in 1967, remembers members of the Altar Guild and Women’s Association. Heraldic windows installed in 1992 adorn the Dean’s office.