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

Fishbourne is best known for the remains of the impressive Roman palace which once stood in the…read morevillage. But it is has a pretty little church wit mediaeval origins, if rather heavily rebuilt in the 19th century. History The church was built between 1243 and 1254, but may initially have consisted only of the present chancel. The nave and bell-cote were added in the 14th century. Little changed until 1821 when a north transept was erected, with a stuccoed porch. In 1847 a south aisle was added, and the transept and nave were enlarged westwards to form the church we see today. The church The setting is a little surprising: although uncomfortably close to the A27, it is well screened by trees and can be approached from the village by a short, public footpath through woods and fields, which provides an altogether more sylvan setting. The exterior walls are a mixture of ragstone and flint, all very neat and testifying to the Victorian rebuild. Inside, apart from a small section of the arcade wall at the west end, the nave and aisles are now basically of 19th century date. The aisles of three bays on either side are each as wide as the nave, and give it a bright and spacious feel. The fabric of the chancel is 13th century, with one original lancet to the south east. (All the rest were renewed.) This space is altogether more intimate, and contains some ancient looking pews possibly Jacobean? used as choir stalls. In one of the lancets is a fragment of old glass possibly 16th or early 17th century. Other items of interest include two memorials at the west end, one in Latin to Anthony Wells (d. 1594) and one to an unknown member of the Lane family, dated 1612 and carrying the crest of the family. Outside on the north east corner of the chancel are pilgrim crosses, possibly made by Continental visitors going to the shrine of St Richard of Chichester, from 1262 onwards. The church has a lively and active congregation, currently raising funds to build a new parish hall.

Birdham is a well-kept Sussex village, perhaps best known for Birdham Pool, once a tidal mill but…read morenow partly a marina and partly nature reserve. But this review of Birdham is a tale of a church and a tree. The church first. Dedicated to St James, it looks very attractive from the outside, next to a small, immaculately kept village green and a generous churchyard. It dates almost entirely from the 14th century, save for the tower, erected in 1545, and the chancel, which was replaced in the rather severe Victorian restoration of 1882. This severity is rather apparent on entering: the only features of particular historic interest are the 14th century chancel arch, and the impressive tower arch of 1545. Pevsner regards the latter as a puzzle, as the clustered shafts look earlier (c. 14th century) and appear too small for the Perpendicular arch above; he speculates that a smaller tower may have been projected, or built and replaced. The west window is also Perpendicular, and a nice feature. The tower contains two bells, one 14th century and one from 1695. The only fittings of especial interest are some so-called pilgrim crosses, carved like graffiti on the outside of south door arch, and the east window, dedicated in 1978 and by artist Michael Farrar Bell. It depicts James and John in their boat with Jesus and their father Zebedee, as described in the Gospel of Mark. Cameos in the background depict agriculture, Chichester Cathedral and a yacht in Birdham Pool. Outside the porch, however, is a treasure from the natural world: a Macrocarpa tree, its trunk twisted into the most incredible form, looking for all the world like a strange being. It is possibly the most amazing tree I have ever seen.

Away from the sprawl of modern village of Barnham, St Mary's church sits in a quiet wooded spot…read morenext to the old Manor House (Barnham Place) and the remains of the old Chichester Canal. The church is mentioned in 1086 in the Domesday Book, although the oldest part of the present church dates from around 1100. A remodelling in the early 13th century saw it enlarged with a new chancel, porch and a north aisle, although this was susequently demolished. (The Victorians opened one of the aisle arches to insert the organ). The exterior is rather homespun, the main feature being an attractive wooden bell-tower, painted white traditionally as a landmark to aid shipping. It contains one of Sussex's oldest bells, dated 1348. Inside, the walls are painted an odd hue of pink but, apart from the sequence of windows, from Norman through Early English lancets to early examples of decorated gothic, the main interest is in the details: there is a much-battered Norman font, crusader crosses and unusual 'Agincourt' graffiti carved into the stonework, and a 15th century statue of St Elizabeth of Hungary. The Agincourt graffiti is exceedingly rare. Above and beneath a cross on the north aisle arch, are inscribed crudely the words (in Latin) 'Pray for the Soul of my father who died at Agincourt'. The rarity comes from the fact that so few could write at this time (1415), and yet its author could not afford a proper memorial. Below it are more crusader crosses, which must date from the time of rebuilding (the last crusade ended in 1291). Outside, the church has an attractively wooded graveyard, and a Lych Gate with a heavy Horsham stone roof.

The first purpose built mosque in the UK. It is also considered as a must see for tourists in…read morelondon due to its historical significance. It was from this mosque that Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Qaid-e Azam) gave his speech stating that he would return to politics and to India (from where he retired due to on going difficulties) in order to continue his campaign for an independent state. He was successful in this campaign and Pakistan was formed in 1947. There are many other famous people who have visited this mosque. Upon requst all the old photos of the above events can be seen as well as a photo of what the mosque and surrounding area was like around the 1920s. A famous prophecy is also linked to this mosque; During the time of the world war God revealed to some of the worshippers of the mosque that anybody within the confines of this mosque would be safe from danger. This prophecy was put to the test when a bomb landed at the site failing to detonate and without causing any damage. Visitors who intend to visit the mosque should be aware that due to the significance and history of the mosque there is tight security and checks are carried out on every visitor without fail. Please take proof of ID and carry minimal things as bags need to be left at security. It is also recommend that once in the mosque it is a good idea to make a prayer as it is common that the majority of the prayers are accepted here. The mosque is open to all and you will find many of the worshippers are extremely friendly and do not mind being stopped to answer any question or have a general chit-chat. Do not be suprised if somebody offers to take you home for a cup of tea or snacks! May God bless you all!

This is my favourite mosque in London. This is the blessed mosque and has really historic life.read more

This is a wonderful parish with a lively and friendly community. Our priest Father Marcin Drabik is…read morevery warm and down to earth as well as being very charismatic. I love their website which is really information www.stswithuns.org.uk

Patching village sits just above a gap in the South Downs, north west of Worthing, and above the…read moreglorious sweep of road known as 'Longfurlong', now part of the A280. The village has some picture-postcard thatched cottages, and a mediaeval church, dedicated to St John. History The village and church are first mentioned in the Saxon period in 948AD, and again in the Domesday survey, but the present building dates from around 1200. There is an unbroken list of Vicars from 1282 to the present day. The sequence of building in the church presents something of a mystery, as the fine arches beneath the tower (and the odd orientation of the nave) suggest that this may have been intended as the original crossing. The church was renovated in 1835, 1856 and especially in 1889, when the spire, porch and vestry were added, as well as its rededication to St John the Divine. The Church From the outside, the church is typical Sussex: flint walls, stone dressings and a tall, shingled spire, and Early English Gothic lancet windows throughout. Inside, the nave is wide and barn-like, with a magnificent, original roof. But what catches the eye is that the chancel arch of off-centre, with the nave apparently pushed to the left. Just before the chancel arch to the left is an archway to what is now the north transept, but is actually beneath the tower, and there are also arches to the east and west, all with shafts in classic 13th century style. The chancel is entered through an impressive Victorian screen, and has two lancets in the East End with a small Oriel window above, and a fine piscina with stiff-leaf capitals. The carved reredos is a modern addition. Furnishings include a very fine octagonal 15th century font, with quatrefoil panels enclosing rosettes, and a 19th century pulpit incorporating 16th century arabesque panels. On the floor beneath the tower is a fine 18th century memorial, to Mary (d. 1737) and Robert Bushby (1739). Their epitaphs read: Here Lyes beneath A Lass deprived of Life A tender Mother And a Loveing wife A faithfull friend A Father dear A loveing husband That lyeth here The modern parish includes the nearby church of Clapham and the larger church of Findon, up the Longfurlong road. The church is a Grade I listed building.