This is St Mary Le Bow one of the many City churches that preform both a religious and secular function. The church is fascinating because of its beauty and because of the charisma that has somehow seeped into the stones. It is also interesting to catch a glimpse of what a neo-reactionary England would look like.
The church is home to an Ecclesiastical Court. These still exist. I had thought they were all abolished in the early modern period but they drag on as a means of disciplining naughty vicars.
In addition the church is home to the Bow Bells and to the Pearly Kings and Queens who visit the church from time to time in their tourist friendly costumes. It is also home to a great little cafe and the church promotes fair trade food throughout London.
Most of all it is a church of debate. The church contains not one, but two pulpits. This is what brought me there. The possibility of debate and battle. In fact everyone is too politically correct these days for honest debate but this has not always been the case. Maybe free speech and plain speaking will make a return?
Nothing ever dies in London.
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