Holy Sepulchre Church, London

For centuries, the Holy Sepulchre Church, once set across from the infamous Newgate prison, chilled many a soul of passers-by for centuries as its bell marked the time of impending executions. Tolling at eight o'clock in the morning signaled that executions were scheduled for that day, a detail duly observed by Charles Dickens in "Oliver Twist". Prior to 1783 when public hangings were relocated to Newgate, condemned criminals were transported past the church to Tyburn. There, every death cart halted, and the prisoners were presented with a small bouquet of flowers.

For nearly 140 years, a more macabre tradition persisted, whereby a bellman was employed to go through a tunnel connecting the church to Newgate on the night before an execution. Upon giving "twelve solemn towles with double strokes" on his handbell, he recited the following words: "All you that in the condemned hold do lie, Prepare you, for tomorrow you shall die; Watch all and pray, the hour is drawing near That you before the Almighty must appear; Examine well yourselves, in time repent, That you may not to eternal flames be sent: And when Sepulchre's bell tomorrow tolls, The Lord above have mercy on your souls. Past twelve o'clock!"

This custom finally faded into history with the demolition of Newgate prison in 1902 to make way for the Old Bailey; however, the very handbell that once added to the despair of the condemned can still be seen, enclosed in a display case on one of the church's pillars.

Today, the church is known as the "Musicians' Church" and includes a chapel dedicated to musicians. It hosts a vibrant program of free lunchtime piano recitals, chamber music, and organ concerts on Thursdays, as well as paid evening performances.

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Sight Name: Holy Sepulchre Church
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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