Just around the corner from where I live is a huge church that dominates the surrounding area.Yesterday I ventured inside for one of those breath taking moments.
SAINT BARTHOLOMEW'S BRIGHTON
This vast building, in Italian Gothic style, is referred to as Noah's Ark because of it's shape and size - built in 1872-1874 it is one of the tallest churches in Europe. Designed by Edmund Scott and paid for (£18,000) by Fr. A D Wagner a vicar of St. Paul's, Brighton.Tennants of nearby houses claimed that the height of the church was causing down draughts in their chimneys. Wagner consequently purchased their houses and reduced their rent!
The "Byzantine" Baldachino is unusal for a Church of England and is truly magnificent. It is 45 feet high and faced with marble. The ceiling is of gold mosaic and mother of pearl. The two giant candlesticks of grey and white Tuscan marble date from 1906.
The brillant mosaics on the sanctuary were designed by F H Jackson in 1911 and installed by Italians.
SILVER ALTAR : The repousse frontal is of silver plate on copper. The silver crucifix was hade for the High Altar and the lamp is apparently of 15th century Italian origin.
SILVER ALTAR : The repousse frontal is of silver plate on copper. The silver crucifix was hade for the High Altar and the lamp is apparently of 15th century Italian origin.
1 comment:
There's a myth that this church was built to the dimesions of the Ark...and also that it's haunted by a (silent) spectral choir.
Ben H
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