A quick note: This will be a record of my visit to the sites of Dominican Priory Churches in London, not a history of the Dominicans in London. For that please see the link at the bottom of the page.

Blackfriars

The following were taken close to YHA St Pauls and to Blackfriars Tube Station. Unfortunately, the “Blackfriar” at the pub looks rather unlike a Dominican in his attire!

St Bartholemew the Great

Not far from where Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock made his famous leap is a church that was the home of the Dominicans in London for 3 years from 1556 to 1559 thanks to Queen Mary I. The main nave of the church is formed by numerous pillars and rounded arches and the stone is old, worn and mottled in colour. The very modern sculptures by the windows look rather like a failed attempt to bring the church “up to date.” The chairs face into the centre of the nave, not towards the altar, which again seems strange.

Apart from a brief mention on an information board, there is little to suggest that the Dominicans were ever here. Only a segment of the most beautiful piece of artwork in the church allowed me to leave with a reinforcement of the reason I came here in the first place.

PS: I was later told that, in fact, the “Dominican” in the image above is an Augustinian Canon which makes sense as the description suggests a 12th Century date but as St Dominic was an Augustinian Canon for a while, it’s easy to see how I made this mistake.

Our Lady of the Rosary & St Dominic

As its name would suggest, the Rosary is integral to this Dominican priory church. 14 side chapels along the nave and the central image of the stained glass window above the high altar together depict the original fifteen mysteries in powerful ways. When I visited, 2 of the chapels were closed for refurbishment but I hope to see them when I next visit. And I certainly will visit again. The three friars (Frs Michael, Gregory and Thomas) I met there were very welcoming and the church is so large that I will need another visit to more fully appreciate the rest of it.

Sculpture is an important part of most Catholic churches I have visited but this is especially true here. On the left-hand side of the altar rail, looking towards the altar, is St Dominic and Jesus stands on the opposite side. There are also fine statues of St Thomas Aquinas, St Martin de Porres and St Joan of Arc.

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My special discovery was a pillar near the West Door that nicely brought my trip full circle:

A History of the Dominicans in London (and the inspiration for visiting the above sites): http://rosaryshrine.co.uk/about-us/history-of-the-dominicans-in-london/

For my visit to Westminster Cathedral that same weekend please look here: Westminster Cathedral: The Mother Church for Roman Catholics in England & Wales