Thatching of the Crib at Truro Cathedral

The famous Truro Cathedral crib is one of the most eye-catching features of the cathedral during the Christmas period.

Thatching of the Crib at Truro Cathedral

The story of the crib dates back to 1960, and it has been thatched by members of the same two families every year since it was first created in 1960.

The construction has been updated since and the current crib dates back about twenty years and was built by the late Mr Adrian Miller.

It’s distinctive thatched roof was first thatched in December 1961 and is currently thatched by G W Viant Thatchers, based in Redruth who donate the materials for free.

The 10ft x 12ft (3m x 3.7m) wooden crib is built inside the cathedral every year just before Advent Sunday. It has a stable attached to an inn, called the First and Last Inn that displays a sign saying “no vacancies”.

As the Christmas story develops, the main characters including the wise men and Mary and Joseph are added, with baby Jesus placed in the manger during midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

In the inn there are characters having a party and others sleeping in beds.

The crib remains in place for everyone to enjoy until Candlemas when it is dismantled.