St Mary's, Studley Royal

St Mary's, Studley Royal, is a grand, opulent church from the nineteenth century. I recall visiting it as a student in the late nineties with Dr Alistair Mason; he called it ‘high Victorian’, and it really is the apogee of English gothic revival. Its external appearance is rather heavy, its internals are colourful and playful. Despite its luxurious gaiety, it was constructed out of an acute sense of grief and sorrow.

Frederick Vyner was one of four aristocrats murdered by Greek bandits during the infamous Dilessi Massacre while they were on tour in 1870. The killers had demanded ransom but slew their hostages before the full amount had been paid, pocketing some initial payments. Vyner’s mother and his sister, the Marchioness of Ripon, spent the remaining ransom money on the construction of two churches, including this one, St Mary’s. Its splendour and vibrancy therefore belie the heartache and anguish of its grieving patrons.

Christ ransomed a great many according to Mark 10:45. The ransom was paid in blood rather than gold or silver, and those whom He purchased are not presently splendid. Indeed, they often come from the humbler ranks of society, and only a few are known for their wisdom or nobility. Yet one day, when they all gather around His throne, they shall be rendered more amazing than any grand building, and more tremendous than any lord or magnate. The account of Christ's sufferings at Calvary is deeply moving, yet He succeeded in ransoming us while the unfortunate ladies of Victorian England tragically failed.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”