St Michael Cornhill
City of London, Greater London
The church lies over the remains of the Basilica, the northern most part of the great Roman Forum built in the first century AD.
The church helps tell a country’s story through the eyes of single village; through its courtiers, soldiers, statesmen, politicians or priests whose lives appear on memorials or through its changing architecture, brasses, carvings, effigies and windows.
In the churchyard in front of the porch is a large stone table which was used once a year to distribute money to the needy of the village: this is one of only three ‘dole tables’ left in the UK.
Inside is the war memorial designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in honour of the 50 villagers of Penshurst who died in the Great War. They are honoured each Remembrance Sunday with each one’s name read out. A charity ‘There but not There’ was initiated by a villager which has grown nationally and is of particular significance, particularly in this centenary year of 2018.
One of Penshurst’s Rectors took the Royalist side at the time of the Civil War, and was chased out of Penshurst. However, he went on to become Chaplain to King Charles I.
St John’s plays an active role in the community through regular church services and community events. Sunday School and Messy Church are enjoyed by youngsters. Weddings are popular in the church with its beautiful setting and it is also an ideal venue for concerts and recitals.
The church is open every day for those who just wish to sit and think and pray or to look around this fine building. Church tours can be arranged for groups as well as school visits.