This is just a short and sweet London Shoes blog – just to get you in the festive spirit.
The other week, in the lead up to Christmas 2024 – my London Shoes (accompanied by Mrs Shoes) attended a Carol Service held at London’s magnificent ‘SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL’ – London SE1 – right by London Bridge Station.
The service itself is an annual event held by my old employees Barclays Bank – which I could never attend when physically at work – but can quite easily rock up to now in my retirement. It was actually my first ever visit, and I’m so pleased I went as it was a perfect pre: Christmas gig !!!
Southwark Cathedral itself has an amazing 1,000 year old history – which I will briefly cover-off.
It started life as a monastery way back in AD 606 founded by the first Bishop of London – and was formerly known as the ‘Cathedral Church of St. Saviour and St. Mary Overie’.
Its original structure was made of wood – but by the 9th Century it had been rebuilt in stone.
The actual location of Southwark Cathedral is of great historical importance as it stands on the south bank of the River Thames, near the site of what was once a Roman bridge that connected the City of London with the south of the River – making it an important place of worship and a hub of London’s cultural and economic activity.
One of the most amazing aspects of Southwark Cathedral is its incredible architecture. The building is made up of many different architectural styles, that reflect the work done to it throughout the past centuries – and quite a few famous people in history are buried there – inc William Shakespeare.
Inside the cathedral there are many paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that span different periods and styles – plus magnificent stained-glass windows – some amazing woodwork, especially choir stalls, and the intricate carvings on the tombs and memorials.
Southwark Cathedral is a tough cookie, as it’s survived the devastation of the Great Fire of London 1666 and the destruction of the German bombings of World War II, making it a symbol of resilience and endurance (a bit like Londoners)
Today – it’s (quite rightly) Southwark Cathedral is a very popular tourist attraction – with loads of events taking place inside its doors – activities for all ages.
And the Carol Service with the Barclays choir – the Barclays Brass Band along with a packed congregation, all of who were banging out all the old favourite Carols – made it a really happy joyous and very seasonal event – with mulled wine and mince pies served up afterwards – and event that (God willing) my London Shoes will attend again next year!!
Really worth checking out, if you’re every down London Bridge way
Hope you enjoyed the photos
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See below the entire gallery of photos taken to accompany this Southwark Cathedral blog article
Southwark Cathedral – as viewed when coming out of London Bridge Station
Southwark Cathedral has an amazing 1000 year history
Southwark Cathedral – another view of it when coming out of London Bridge Station
Southwark Cathedral – viewed from the streets
Southwark Cathedral – viewed from the streets
A bit of ‘Old & New’ – The Shard and Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral – viewed from the streets
Inside Southwark Cathedral – with its amazing architectural styles
Inside Southwark Cathedral – with its amazing architectural styles
Inside Southwark Cathedral – with its amazing architectural styles
Inside the cathedral there are many paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that span different periods and styles – plus magnificent stained-glass windows – some amazing woodwork, especially choir stalls, and the intricate carvings on the tombs and memorials.
Quite a few famous people in history are buried there – William Shakespeare being one of them
Gone but never forgotten
Souhwark Cathedral’s magnificent 1897 built and powerful church organ –
Souhwark Cathedral’s magnificent 1897 built and powerful church organ
Me & Mrs Shoes -sitting alongside ex work colleagues – all enjoying the Carol Service,
The Barclays Choir – the Barclays brass band along with a packed congregation, were all banging out all the old favourite Carols – made it a really happy joyous and very seasonal event – with mulled wine and mince pies served up afterward
The Barclays Choir – the Barclays brass band along with a packed congregation, were all banging out all the old favourite Carol
The Barclays Choir – the Barclays brass band had a packed Southwark Cathedral congregation banging out all the old fav Christmas Carols
The Barclays Choir – the Barclays brass band had a packed Southwark Cathedral congregation banging out all the old fav Christmas Carols
Me & Angela (Mrs Shoes) – having spent an enjoyable couple of hours inside the wonderful London landmark that is Souhwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral has an impressive reclining Shakespeare monument, but he was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire.
Next time you’re going please tell us in advance.
I go every year, it’s a great service & the staff & ex staff do a great job filling the place.
It would be an excellent opportunity for a group meet up over the mulled wine & mince pies in the cathedral after the event. Could be excellent fun?
Thank you again for a wonderful Southwark Cathedral beautiful have a very Merry Christmas 🇨🇦
Thank you London Shoes. a nice , enjoyable, easy read, stunning photos inside the cathedral. Did they sing In the Bleak Mid Winter?
London Shoes can I ask how did you find out when the Choral Concert was on please? I used to work in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire & Woukd love a trip to London to co-incident with next year’s Choral Concert.
Lovely photos as always, I went years ago for Christingle was really lovely, Merry Christmas Geoff and family x
A wonderful place for a Carol concert. Must visit next time I’m in London. Merry Christmas Geoff. Keep going with the blogs they’re great.
Thank you Bev – and Merry Christmas to you too. Hope you’ll continue enjoying ‘Shoes’ in 2025
Happy New Year
GEOFF