St John the Baptist Church - Bodley's Jewel Box in Tuebrook
Saint John the Baptist Church, Corner of Green Lane and West Derby Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool, Merseyside, L13 7HA
The Church of St John the Baptist is rather ordinary from the outside, and thousands drive past every day without a second thought. However, coming through the doors, you are greeted with a glimpse of heaven, a place where God is especially present, and so enter into a building of gorgeous and outstanding beauty, which lifts your heart to heaven and gives glory to God.
Here can be seen the creation of the Gothic Revival as conceived by G.F. Bodley. Beginning in 1870 rather conservatively, but as you will discover, still controversially, Bodley designed a House fit for God. As his revolution continued, Bodley became more extravagant, revisiting his creation and leaving instructions for a redesign, executed by Henry Hare in 1910.
You will be able to look in detail at Bodley’s remarkable development of this style, so dominant in the late Victorian period and early 20th Century. There will be tours of the Church pointing out significant aspects of his work, allowing access to parts of the Church not normally accessible, including the Tower and the East End, which, as the setting of the Altar, is most exquisitely decorated. Here you can contemplate the priceless William Morris Angel window, generously restored by the Getty Foundation. Experience the sounds, sights, and smells of the Anglo-Catholic worship Bodley’s designs nurtured, with displays of vestments, bellringing, and the music of the great Hill organ, unchanged since 1895.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1000-1500
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1200-1600 Mass at 0900 and 1100
Location & directions
Saint John the Baptist Church, Corner of Green Lane and West Derby Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool, Merseyside, L13 7HA
- Contact on day:
- Fr Nicholas Johnson
- Telephone number:
- +441512282023
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
There is disabled access through the Brockman Hall door. When arriving, please notify a welcomer at the North Porch, who will arrange for this to be opened. Most of the Church is accessible for wheelchairs, with the exception of the Chancel, Lady Chapel, and Tower.
Additional information
On Sunday morning, the normal worship services will be conducted at 9am and 11am. Visitors are most welcome to join us for these, though general visiting will be not be allowed during this time.
