The Maundy Plaque was revealed last Sunday after a special Evensong.
It has been four years since the Queen made her Royal Maundy visit Sheffield Cathedral on 2 April 2015, distributing gifts to 89 men and 89 women. The tradition of the English monarch distributing alms at a Maundy service can be traced back to 15 April 1210.
Permanent memorial
As is tradition the Cathedral commissioned a permanent memorial; a specially designed and carved slate plaque. We were joined by the former Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Mr David Moody, who unveiled the plaque.
When the Royal Maundy visit was announced, the Dean said the following;
“We are deeply honoured to be chosen to host the Royal Maundy Service on behalf of our nation. This service is a special opportunity to recognise individuals who have worked to make a positive contribution to the community. I have been moved to learn of the many unsung heroes in South Yorkshire who give of their time and effort for the good of others.”
Special Evensong service
During the Evensong service, The Cathedral Choir sang Handel’s famous coronation anthem Zadok the Priest. The anthem was composed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II and has been sung at the coronation of every British monarch since.