Barnes, St Mary
Address: Church Road. SW13.
Map Ref: TQ222766
8 Bells • Tenor 10½ cwt.
Sunday Service Ringing: 9.15 - 9.55 am (1st and 5th also 11.00 - 11.30 am)
Practice: Friday 7.30 - 9.15pm
Ground floor ring. Entry is via west door at base of tower.
Tower Captain: Eddie Hartley
This church has its own web site.
History
Records show there has been a church on the site before 1197, and legend says Archbishop Langton dedicated an early building on his way back from Runnymede in 1215. The present modern building has retained the medieval south wall and 15th century tower, the remainder having been rebuilt after a major fire in 1977. It was rehallowed in 1982. The three early bells were replaced in the 16th and 17th centuries by the present 6th (1616 by William Land), 7th (1575 by Robert Mot) and Tenor (1667 by G. Eldridge). The front five, by Warner, were added in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The bells were removed after the fire and re-hung in 1981.
Transport
By Road: St. Mary’s is sited to the north of the A3003 which spurs from the A306 (Barnes - Hammersmith road) at the Red Lion pub. Car parking in local roads is not too difficult except during the hours 10.00 am - 12.00 noon, Monday - Friday, when “Residents only” restrictions apply.
By Bus: From Hammersmith routes 33 to Richmond, 72, 209 to Mortlake and 283. Alight at the Red Lion.
By Train: To Barnes Bridge station - ½-mile walk or take 209 bus. To Barnes Station (a better train service) - ½-mile walk or take 33 or 72 bus.
Facilities
Toilets are available in the church.
The Red Lion (Fullers), The Sun Inn (Free-House), The Bull’s Head (Youngs) and The Coach and Horses (Youngs) all provide food (but times vary) and are recommended. There are also many restaurants, of all types, within easy walking distance.