The parish church of St Nicholas in Compton has the double honour of being Surrey's best Norman…read morechurch, and of possessing England's only two-storeyed sanctuary. It is well worth a visit. The lower part of the tower and the corners of the nave date from the earlier Saxon church. The Norman work is in two phases: the chancel arch and chancel date from 1080-1100, and the aisles with their solid, rounded arcades, together with the upper sanctuary, date from 1160-80. The only major later addition was the upper part of the tower with its shingle broached spire, in the late 13th or 14th centuries. The porch is Victorian. Inside, the whitewash reveals a wealth of Norman decoration. The chancel arch has fine dogtooth carving, and the capitals of the arcade piers have scalloped and crude foliage designs. The east nave wall has the remains of an unusual 15th century painted decoration, of stepped cubes in perspective, instead of the usual Judgement. The chancel is a gem: the lower sanctuary is framed by an exquisite arch with roll mouldings, saw-tooth and dog-tooth ornament. The balustrade of the lower sanctuary is Jacobean, c. 1620 (as are the fine pulpit and screen), but this is outshone by the Romanesque balustrade of the upper sanctuary: this is original Norman work (c. 1180), making it the oldest architectural timberwork in situ in England. Squints to the north and south chancel walls may relate to anchorite cells: that on the south side may have been a chantry chapel. An ancient wooden staircase joins the two sanctuaries. The fittings and fixtures are equally rich: the north aisle and lower sanctuary have 14th and 15th century tomb recesses, and piscinas and aumbries abound. The chancel arch has rare Crusader graffiti, a 12th century image of a knight with a pointed helmet, with crosses and intersecting circles. The east window has 13th century stained glass of the Virgin and Child, and in the nave floor are brasses to the Thomas Genning and his family (d. 1508), though sadly with some of the images missing. The church has no fewer than four services on a Sunday. After your visit, the nearby Watts Cemetery Chapel provides a striking contrast of Arts and Crafts workmanship.

It is many many years since I went inside St Nichols Church and it warms my heart looking at the…read morephotographs to see that it has not been ripped apart in the name of 'modernisation' It is one wish on my 'bucket list' to visit the Church again - there is no reason why I should not and would choose a fine warm Sunday to journey up from Bognor Regis - it is not a million miles away - and mingle in with the congregation. I spent a few years of my childhood living in Binscombe but then it was just a little village - a far cry from that now, and what was the road is now a pavement! Thank you so much for preserving some of our heritage I know it isn't an easy task, while nothing lasts forever! it would be so sad to loose everything at this point in time...

There's not much to add to Templar's comprehensive review: still regarded by many as one of the…read moremost important centres in the Anglo-Jewish community, the Bevis Marks Synagogue is beautifully maintained. It is strongly reminiscent of the Wren and Hawksmoor churches of the City in its classical architecture and furnishings, which include impressive brass candelabra and 17th century wooden benches. The Synagogue's tradition is Orthodox, so men and women are separated: men on the ground floor, women in the galleries. Their opening hours (for visits) are slightly longer than advertised on their website, so it's worth contacting them ahead of a trip to London if you want to pay a call. Tourists (as opposed to those attending services) are asked to pay £3 for entry, and men are asked to wear a skull cap - one will be provided if you don't have one. Your bags may also be searched. They sell a small range of postcards and books at the entrance.

Situated in a secluded courtyard, the Bevis Marks Synagogue was opened in 1701 to serve the Spanish…read more& Portuguese Jewish Congregation. Today it is one of the best-preserved houses of worship of its period still in regular use. The Inquisition, revived by Ferdinand and Isabella, turned its attention to these crypto-Jews, and from the last years of the fifteenth century, they: were systematically persecuted, arrested, tortured, tried, and burnt at the stake. From about this time there was a constant exodus of 'Marranos' who succeeded in escaping from Spain and Portugal or its dependencies to avoid persecution and a small number of them reached Protestant England. Outwardly, they were obliged to behave as Christians, for at that time Jews were not allowed officially, to enter the country, but at any rate they could live there, provided that they behaved with circumspection, and could meet in secret in each others' houses for prayer. The first Jewish house of worship of the resettlement of the Jews in England was as opened in 1656 in the upper floor of a house in Creechurch Lane, which is but a stone's throw from the present Synagogue in Bevis Marks The site of this house is today marked by a plaque, on the rear corner of Cunard House in Creechurch Lane. Jews were permitted to return to Britain in 1657 under Oliver Cromwell. They felt that the time was opportune to present a petition in the form of a humble address to Oliver Cromwell asking for the official re?admittance of the Jews to England Their decision was no doubt a wise one, as Cromwell, reared in a Puritanical atmosphere with its emphasis on the Old Testament was likely to hear favourably any petition presented by the 'people of the Old Testament'. Some of the most eminent figures of Anglo-Jewry sat at prayer in the Synagogue such as Sir Moses Montefiore. Disraeli was born into the Congregation and there are links to the Rothschilds. Today it is regarded as the most distinguished British Synagogue. The magnificent wooden Ark or cupboard) resembling a reredos, at the east end, is built in classical architecture in the manner of Sir Christopher Wren's time. It contains (as is the custom in Jewish synagogues') the sacred scrolls of' the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, written in Hebrew on parchment, which are read in consecutive instalment over the period of a year as the central feature of the Sabbath Service. Several splendid seventeenth century vestments and silver ornaments belonging to the scrolls survive. The entablature of the Ark has as its central feature the Ten Commandments written in Hebrew (abbreviated), above which are inscribed in Hebrew the words 'Know before Whom thou standest'. The silver hanging Sanctuary Lamp, burning perpetually before the Ark, was presented by Edward Foligno in 1876 and evidently replaces an earlier example, now lost. Except for the addition of the doors to the Banca or Wardens' pews and to the Haham's or Chief Rabbi's seat in 1787, and of the choirstalls in about 1830, the ancient synagogue has remained virtually unchanged. Electric light was installed in 1929 Even though recently restored, the interior has barely changed since it was built. It is in the style of many Nonconformist chapels of the period. The influence of Sir Christopher wren is also evident. The Synagogue has one of the finest collections of Cromwellian and Queen Anne furniture in the country and the magnificent brass candelabra with glowing candlelight. On 19th December 1951 the Congregation held a Service to celebrate the 250th anniversary, of the opening of the Synagogue which was attended by the Duke of Edinburgh. On 22nd March 1956 British Jewry held a Service of dedication and thanksgiving at the Synagogue on the tercentenary of the resettlement of the Jews in the British Isles. Twelve pillars, symbolising the tribes of Israel, support the ladies' gallery, the reading desk and Echal are flanked by 10 candlesticks representing the Ten Commandments; and the interior is dominated by seven magnificent candelabra, corresponding to the days of the week. One of the great oak beams supporting the roof is said to have been presented by Princess (later Queen) Anne. In 1992 and 1993 the synagogue suffered great damage from terrorist bomb attacks on the City of London. Nearly £200,000, raised by donation, has since been spent in repairing and renovating the structure

It was a rainy day in Oxford but we forged ahead even though we had to walk 1/2 mile to the the…read moremental hospital to catch our taxi because aforementioned hotel blockade. Wow doing the media headset tour was a great addition to the tour. Seeing the Tom Quad and the famous dining hall that's in the Harry Potter movie was amazing. The cathedral was breathtaking; you could just feel and smell the history of this religious place.

Takes up a whole city block! They try to charge you £15 to enter which is way to steep. Tell them…read morethat you are not a tourist and you are there for a purpose and you can enter without having to pay. Of course leave a nice donation while inside. The courtyard reminds me of some I have seen in Spain and Portugal. The opening hours are limited, so plan ahead.

This lovely church in Soho Square was once the home of…read moreCasanova's lover Mrs Cornelys & their daughter was conceived here when it was once one of the most fashionable addresses in London. Now it holds magnificent services. I went to the funeral of Pearl here, wife of John Bermiston, a publican in nearby Fitzrovia's Northumberland Arms

As a temporary resident of London (student abroad) who was looking for a church to go to Mass…read moreduring my period of stay, I am very happy to having found this church. It's ambiance is respectful but not overly so (in the sense that no one will seem to want to criticize you if you just so happen to drop your jacket/book during Mass). There were a variety of types of people during my time there, and everywhere I looked, I was greeted with a smile. The music was all very pleasant, especially due to the fantastic acoustics of the stone walled church! Overall, if I were to ever find myself in London again on a Sunday, I'll be making my way here.

If you want to see the site of Shakespeare's entombment, it is worth paying to enter the area…read more Most of the interior is free and open to public during special hours. It looks like most churches built during the same time period. The cemetery is maintained with many broken and illegible markers. Short walk from commons area along the waterfront to the church.

Even in his day, William Shakespeare was appreciated by the locals and that is no more apparent…read morethan here in the Holy Trinity Church where he is laid to rest with great honors. The Church dates back to 1210 and is apparently Stratford's oldest building. This is one of the "don't miss" stops on any tour of Stratford-upon-Avon and a £1.50 donation to the inner church is well worth it. Even aside from the Shakespeare part of it, this is a beautiful and very old church that still has an active service schedule. The hallowed ground is completely full and there are many very old gravestones right along the path. And the path, by the way, is also laid over other graves. Lots to learn from and photograph, I'm very glad we stopped here.

A peaceful place to meditate and reflect on life.read more

The people here are very friendly and unlike some churches you won't get ignored on a Sunday…read moremorning. The services are at 10.30am and 6pm every Sunday. Once a month on a Saturday there is a fun morning for school age children (from reception to year 4 I think!). These are organised by the church and usually involve lots of activities and crafts. They have lots of activities during the week as well. Including Activ8 (Youth Club), Accelerate (for 10-13 year olds), Kings Club (School years 3-6 - term time only), Excel (School years 2-5 - term time only), Tiny Tots Club (birth to 5 years - term time only), Discipleship Groups and Ladies and Mens Nights Out. They also do Alpha courses, which is a great introduction. Come along and see what all the fuss is about!

MKCC is a modern lively Church. Recent extention work makes it an ideal location close to all…read moretransport facilities, for conferences with a brand new coffee bar which boasts full internet access(free).

Elsfield is a charming little village just north of Oxford, nowadays somewhat cut off from the City…read moreby the busy A40 bypass. It's best known as the final resting place of John Buchan, former Governor of Canada and author of The 39 Steps, who died in 1940. The village is picture-postcard pretty, and runs along a little lane from the Marston junction on the A40. Quickly, you find yourself in wooded, rolling countryside, with cottages, farms and the odd barn conversion along the way. The church was built around 1160-80 but rebuilt in the 13th century, when it was dedicated to Thomas a Becket, following his martyrdom in Canterbury Cathedral. In the 14th century, the beautiful east window was inserted, in a delicate and flowing Decorated Gothic style. A chapel was constructed on the north side of the nave around the same period, but nothing of this now survives (traces of filled in arches were visible until 1837). Thereafter, the church remained relatively untouched until a fairly thorough Victorian restoration in the mid 19th century. Today, the church has an attractive setting, and inside comes as something of a shock, owing to the recent installation of a parish room at the west end, screened off by a handsome modern wooden and glass screen with echoes of the style of a mediaeval rood screen. While this is an excellent use of the space (and is to be applauded) the bright white paint and clear glass does rather dominate. The main architectural feature of the interior is the chancel arch, which retains the bases, pillars and capitals from its original building around 1160-80, with the arch from the later 12th century rebuilding around 1250. Inside the chancel, there are fragmentary remains of wall paintings behind the altar dating perhaps to the 15th century, framing a rather bright mosaic of the Last Supper behind the altar was made in 1860 and is the work of Salviati (who also made the reredos at Westminster Abbey). other furnishings of note include the altar rails (1627), the Jacobean pulpit and the ancient font of c. 1200. This last was one of the reasons for our visit here, as one of my partner's ancestors was baptised here in 1718. The graveyard contains some 17th century tombs, but is most visited for the circular memorial of John Buchan, on the upper section, which has beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.