When the Deanery went to Lambeth

Main gatehouse, Lambeth Palace

The Annual Bermondsey Deanery Social can take many forms, but rarely has it taken place in such splendid surroundings.

Thanks to Simon Lewis, Dean of the St Anselm's Community at Lambeth Palace, and Honorary Curate at St James, and St Anne's, this year we had a private tour of the Archbishop's London residence, a fascinating insight into the life of the St Anselm's Community, and the chance to round off our evening with a service of Compline in the crypt chapel at the Palace, a truly memorable and informative evening. Thank you, Simon.

Here are some pictures:

Briefing on arrival by Simon

The newest wing of the Palace - just 200 years old. Some parts date from the 12th century

The main corridor, lined with portraits of past Archbishops

John Bird Sumner. a particularly fine archbishop. As a theological student I spent some time in Lambeth Palace Library researching his life

Getting ready for a big event

The main chapel

Modern depiction of the growth of the church in England from earliest days

Hearing about the Community of St Anselm in the community room

Compline: concluding with prayer