Apres_Londee

Has anyone visited this church? There doesn't seem to be much information around geared towards tourists. If I avoid service times, I'm assuming it's okay to go in and poke around?

flanneruk

Assuming it's open (not all churches are open all day) of course you're welcome.

Being poked around in is one of the things English churches are there for. But do remember they cost a fortune to maintain, and they need a generous donation far more than London's tax-funded megamuseums with their big transparent collection boxes.

PatrickLondon

http://www.holytrinitysloanesquare.co.uk/

Apres_Londee

Thanks for the responses. I did see the website, and have read elsewhere that the church is open all day everyday. They seem to me to de-emphasize tourist interest somewhat, so I'm glad a vistor won't be seen as an intruder.

What I'd like to check out in particular is the high alter(long story that I won't get into). Would it be considered rude if I asked whoever was there at the church, if I could take a closer look at the alter and photograph it? Would that be a reasonable request to make?

(I never went to chuch as a kid and have no clue especially when it comes to Anglicanism and don't want to be clumsy or offensive)

Thanks again.

flanneruk

You're very unlikely to find anyone at all there.

It's quite normal for visitors interested in church art to go close to the altar in most Anglican churches. I'm unfamiliar with Holy Trinity, but the general practice is that you shouldn't if it's got all the following:
- communion rails between the altar and the main body of the church, and
- a lit sanctuary lamp, and
- a tabernacle on the altar itself

There are very few such churches: those High enough to believe in transubstantion usually reserve the sacrament in a separate chapel, chosen not to be of much tourist interest.

Apres_Londee

Thank you flanner, that is exactly the sort thing I need.

As an aside, I'm a bit surprised nothing came up when I did a search for this church here on the Europe board. Apparently it's referred to as the "Cathedral of the Arts & Crafts Movement", so anyone with an interest in Victorian London or William Morris etc might want to take note. It's on Sloane Square accross from the tube.

janisj

not weird at all that you couldn't find any info by searching. The search function on here hasn't worked for ages.

As for taking photos - it is usually perfectly OK - as long as you don't use a flash. But do look around for any signs forbidding photography. Westminster Abbey and St Paul's do not allow it, but most other churches do.