Taster Tour of St George’s Church in six episodes……

Introduction

We hope you enjoy this mini taster tour in 6 instalments over the summer of 2024.
Everyone is welcome to visit St George’s – the church and its surroundings.
The building is open on weekdays: 9.00am – 1.00pm.
Do come and spend some time exploring. Experience the atmosphere, look at the many interesting items
and have some quiet time. There is usually someone available to listen or to answer questions.

Here is a link to information about Guided Tours

Week 1 – from Monday 29 July 2024

Exterior…..

Welcome to St George’s Church, at the heart of the community in Beckenham.

From Bromley Road you enter through the Lych Gate which dates from the 13th century and is thought to be the oldest in the country. The traditional purpose of the Lych [“body”] gate is for the coffin to rest before coming into church.

The Victorian building that you see is the most recent on this site where there has been a place of worship for 1,000 years. It is constructed of Kentish ragstone.

The tower, 115 feet (35 m) tall, contains ten bells, which are rung regularly, and the clock chimes every quarter of an hour.

Surrounding the building is the churchyard. There are many interesting graves, some dating from the 17 Century. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has records of war graves here. Wild-life abounds: trees, flowers, mosses, butterflies, bees and other insects, a variety of birds and many squirrels. Here you can find a peaceful haven for a rest, to read or to eat your lunch.