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St John the Baptist Church - Bodley's Jewel of English Gothic in Tuebrook

Saint John the Baptist Church, Green Lane and West Derby Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool, Merseyside, L13 7HA

  • Multiple dates available
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking not required
  • | Site opening

Visit Bodley's greatest masterpiece, a vision of heaven, right here in urban Liverpool. See his conception of the Gothic Revival develop from mediaeval austerity to the gorgeous vibrancy of his later designs, with the sights and sounds of worship.

The Church of St John the Baptist is a glimpse of heaven, a place where God is especially present, and a building of gorgeous and outstanding beauty, which lifts your heart to heaven and gives glory to God.

Come and learn about Fr Brockman, the priest who served here for 29 years over the turn of the 20th Century when the Church took on its final form with Bodley's redesign of his original plans.

The original 1870 scheme was rather conservative, though still controversial, as Bodley designed a House fit for God. As his aesthetic revolution continued, Bodley became more extravagant, revisiting his creation and leaving instructions for a redesign, executed by Henry Hare in 1910, during the incumbency of Fr Brockman, whose 100th anniversary we are celebrating this year.

Look in detail at Bodley’s remarkable development of this style, so dominant in the late Victorian period and early 20th Century. There will be tours of the Church pointing out significant aspects of his work, allowing access to parts of the Church not normally accessible, including the Tower and the East End, which, as the setting of the Altar, is most exquisitely decorated. Here you can contemplate the priceless William Morris Angel window, generously restored by the Getty Foundation. Experience the sounds, sights, and smells of the Anglo-Catholic worship Bodley’s designs nurtured, with displays of vestments, bellringing, and the music of the great Hill organ, unchanged since 1895.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:
1000-1200, 1330-1600 (Special Anniversary Mass at 12 noon)
Sunday 13 September:
1300-1600 Masses at 0900 and 1100

Location & directions

Saint John the Baptist Church, Green Lane and West Derby Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool, Merseyside, L13 7HA

Directions:
Corner of Green Lane and West Derby Road
Contact on day:
Fr Nicholas Johnson
Telephone number:
+441512282023

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is disabled access through the Brockman Hall door. When arriving, please notify a welcomer at the North Porch, who will arrange for this to be opened. Most of the Church is accessible for wheelchairs, with the exception of the Chancel, Lady Chapel, and Tower.

Additional information

On Saturday there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving for Fr Brockman's ministry at 12 noon, and on Sunday morning, the normal worship services will be conducted at 9am and 11am. Visitors are most welcome to join us for these, though general visiting will be not be allowed during this time.

Check out our online channels

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