St. Bees Priory, Church — Attraction in St. Bees

St Bees Priory Church or The Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint Bega to give it its full name, is a delightful building and setting, which is very much worth visiting.

While I think the main points of interest are to be found within, the Sleeping Child garden, with three statues by Josefina de Vasconcellos, and the west door will detain you.

Once inside, the stained glass* is attractive and you do not have to crane your neck to admire the windows and study their details.

The late 19th century Butterfield Screen between the nave and chancel is the most distinctive feature of the church. It is made of painted, decorative metal, including wrought iron. Although the colours have faded they still stand out. A person connected to the church told me that it was a 'love it or loathe it' design and complained that it muffled the sound of the choir. I have not seen its like and found it very impressive.*

Simon Jenkins, in his book, 'England's Thousand Best Churches', says of the stained glass that it is "mostly awful." He thinks the Butterfield Screen is "a splendid piece."

The altar and east windows of the small chapel in the north east of the church are flanked by Josefina de Vasconcellos' sculpture of St Bega's vision of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

There was organ practice during my visit. I was told that the organ was built by Henry Willis in the late nineteenth century and is very highly rated. It sounded...

Lovely old priory church. Easy parking. Fabulous west doorway. Good info boards. Lots to see. Medieval effigies and other monuments, St Bega's statue, etc. Window featuring St Bega is hidden by the vestry but if you can climb on a chair (or the stepladder inadvertantly provided!), you get a...

Great little place, lots to find out, fantastic history. Thursday morning best day to visit due to coffee morning where the locals all get together for a natter. Fantastic coffee and cake. Good value and delicious. No cash they take cards! Best cake had in 2...