Ally Pally

The 'Palace of the People' or the 'People's Palace' are more informal names for Alexandra Palace, that great Victorian venue in Harringay, North London. I called there last month, and was impressed by its scale and the views of central London afforded by its site. A large BBC television aerial is attached to one of its corners, and an ice rink continues to function inside. Despite its egalitarian-sounding nicknames, it is named after Alexandra of Denmark, Princess of Wales, later queen-consort to Edward VII.

London is awash with royal palaces, stately homes and mansions of the wealthy. Here, however, is a palace for the common, a grand and imposing pile to which all may gain entry, not just those who arrive by limousine or landau, accompanied by fans and footmen.

The heavenly palace of King Jesus will be more royal and exquisite than any earthly regal abode, yet it will admit all and sundry who believe the gospel. Inside, there are ex-thieves, ex-beggars, ex-manual workers, ex-slaves, as well as the odd ex-king, ex-empress, ex-businessman: it really is open to all who will come. Though many are called and few are chosen, people from every tongue and tribe, every nation and continent, every era and epoch, every class and background shall be represented. Whosoever will may come!