The Cockpit in central London is named after the cockfights which took place here until outlawed in 1849. My Dictionary of Pub Names states that the viewing gallery for such entertainments is still erect, but my inner nonconformist (and the time of day) did not attempt to execute corroboration. By its main entrance, under a Victorian admonishment for courage, was a sign:
St Andrew’s Old Church is found a little way from the Cleveland village of Upleatham. It is the second smallest church building in England, but certainly one of the most interesting. It is no longer used for services and its tiny interior is locked to the public, but a grill allows for some modest viewing.
Let us pray for England, which once held aloft gospel light for others, but has now become dark; pray for her who once blessed the world, but has now become godless and spiritually feeble:
I called at the Evangelical Library this month. This is a large collection of evangelical Protestant books located in a surprisingly modern trading estate in north London, and it is open to the public. I will not go into its origins, for this is well documented elsewhere, but I enjoyed a happy hour or so poring over tomes and reading about Lollardy in the north of England.
London’s Central Criminal Courts are popularly known as the Old Bailey. It was built in 1902 but stands on the site of many older courthouses. It was opened by King Edward VII 1907 to much fanfare. Above the main entrance is inscribed the maxim:
Defend the Children of the Poor & Punish the Wrongdoer
As we drove about the lanes of Cumberland last month, my companion and I stumbled across a rare sight in godless Britain: a new church. On its information board were the week’s meetings including youth work, a Sunday evening service and a midweek Bible Study. At the bottom were the wonderful words:
Proclaiming the good news of God’s grace
01282 540 562
pastor @ martintop. org .uk
Salem Chapel, Martin Top
near Rimington, Clitheroe BB7 4EG
Salem Congregational Chapel is a registered charity No. 252401 (England & Wales)
Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.00pm