Taster Tour of St George’s Church in six episodes…. week 2

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 2 – from Monday 5 August

Come inside

On the left just inside the main door is the parish office. Either side of the office door on the walls you can see the lists of rectors of the parish going back to the 13th century. There are many memorials around the church which mainly date from the mediaeval church.  The names of some of the families mentioned on the memorials are reflected in place names in the Beckenham area: Styles Way, Eden Park, Elwill Way, Park Langley, Cator Park …

 If you sit in a pew you can experience the atmosphere and take in the size of the building: 151.5 feet (46 m) long; 90 feet (27.5 m) across the transepts; 56.5 feet (17 m) nave height.

The wooden carvings around the building are the Stations of the Cross. These carvings are a 14-step devotion that follows the journey of Jesus from his trial and condemnation to his death and burial. Each stop or station focusses on a specific event. There are special prayers to accompany the journey. In St George’s the Stations begin near the font (north transept), move along the wall towards the back of the church and continue on the south side near the door, finishing outside the Lady Chapel.