Bell Ringing and Bell Tour

St. Mary's Church, 346 Lewisham High Street, London, Greater London, SE13 6LE

Our bellringers will be available to give tours and demonstrations of our bell room in our church tower,* with displays and handbells in the main…

Our bellringers will be available to give tours and demonstrations of our bell room in our church tower, with displays and handbells in the main church
Our bellringers will be available to give tours and demonstrations of our bell room in our church tower,* with displays and handbells in the main church

*restrictions apply

Opening Times

• Saturday 14 September: 13.30-14.30

Booking Details: No booking required

Deptford Ragged School Archive

The Bear Church, Shaftesbury Christian Centre, Frankham Street, London, Greater London, SE8 4RN

Discover the history of the Deptford Ragged School and its impact in the local community over the past 175 years. Explore and handle original…

The Deptford Ragged School Archive is a collection of 175 years worth of photos and documents that tell the story of the Deptford Ragged School and the part it played in the community of Deptford. Drop in to explore this fascinating collection.
Discover the history of the Deptford Ragged School and its impact in the local community over the past 175 years. Explore and handle original documents, annual reports, minutes, crockery, certificates, letters, photos and architectural plans, uncovering their stories.
We will also be running a family activity sharing your school memories.

The Deptford Ragged School was founded in 1844, twenty-seven years before the State began providing education for all children. It was started in a loft over a cowshed as a Day School and a Sunday School. As many children as possible were crammed into a rented room to learn how to read and write, and very often to be fed too. It was one of the first twenty ragged schools exclusively run for 'ragged children', so called because they were dressed in rags with bare feet in all weathers.

We are currently documenting the archive, making it publicly available hoping to become an accredited museum, and we’re keen to share what we’re finding with the community.

Opening Times

• Saturday 21 September: 13:30 - 17:00

Booking Details: No booking required

Directions: 3 minute walk from Deptford Station. 7 minute walk from Deptford Bridge DLR. Free parking in Frankham Street from 13:30. We're located at the Deptford High Street end of Frankham Street.

Heritage Tour

St. Mary's Church, 346 Lewisham High Street, London, Greater London, SE13 6LE

Heritage Tour - come and explore 1100 years of history at the heart of Lewisham with local historican Julian Watson There has been a Church on…

Heritage Tour - come and explore 1100 years of history at the heart of Lewisham with local historican Julian Watson
Heritage Tour - come and explore 1100 years of history at the heart of Lewisham with local historican Julian Watson

There has been a Church on this site since 918 AD. The present church was built 1774 - 1777 to the design of George Gibson on the site of earlier churches. Gibson's design incorporated the tower (1471-1512) of the medieval church. The chancel, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, was added in 1881 when the nave was re-modelled in Victorian style. Extensive re-ordering work started in 1995

Opening Times

• Saturday 21 September: 11am - 1pm

Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred
Free to come but would like to know numbers Contact: Julian Watson Email: j00lswat@gmail.com Booking opens: 12 June 2019