We are deeply saddened to share the news that Chris Guy, our Cathedral Archaeologist for 33 years, died on 23 February 2026.
Chris served Worcester Cathedral with exceptional dedication for more than three decades, holding the first full‑time Cathedral Archaeologist post in the country from 1990 until his retirement in 2023, following a severe stroke.
During his long tenure, Chris made an extraordinary contribution to the understanding of the Cathedral’s history. His work encompassed some of the most significant archaeological investigations seen at the Cathedral, including:
▪️The Chapter House lawn excavations (1995-1998)
▪️The Chapter House floor excavations (2003–2004), which revealed an Anglo-Saxon cemetery
▪️The College Hall excavations (2019-2020) which, after generations of conjecture, located parts of the original Anglo-Saxon Cathedral
▪️Emergency research following the fall of a pinnacle during Storm Arwen (2021), when Chris worked tirelessly with colleagues to to enable repair work
▪️He produced countless skillfully drawn elevations of the Cathedral stonework, an invaluable legacy.
Chris shared his discoveries widely - through detailed reports, journal articles, public talks, and the much‑loved Annual Archaeological Symposium, which became a fixture for enthusiasts and scholars alike. His impact extended far beyond archaeology: as the Cathedral’s semi‑official in‑house photographer, he documented countless moments of life at Worcester Cathedral, including at least two royal visits, creating an invaluable visual record for generations to come.
Chris was a remarkable man - immensely knowledgeable, intellectually curious, and gifted in his craft. Yet it was his warmth, generosity, and humility that endeared him to colleagues and visitors. He was unfailingly helpful, always willing to check a piece of text, review an article, answer a query, take a photograph, or offer expert advice, often at very short notice. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
Chris was a long‑serving and influential member of the CWF (Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship), designing & leading the Architectural Styles & Archaeology module.
Chris’s contribution to the story of Worcester Cathedral is immeasurable. His work - both seen and unseen - has shaped our understanding of this sacred place and will continue to guide future generations. He leaves behind not only an extraordinary professional legacy, but also the memory of a kind, thoughtful, and much‑loved colleague.
May he rest in peace.
Details of the Funeral will be shared here in due course.