Saturday 22 July 1pm
Crossbones blessing and celebration of St Mary Magdalene’s Feast Day – and John’s 65th birthday
The Dean of Southwark Cathedral, the Very Revd. Andrew Nunn, conducts a special service at Crossbones, the unconsecrated outcasts’ burial ground.
This ‘Act of Regret, Remembrance, Restoration’ expresses the church’s regret for the treatment of the ‘Winchester Geese’, the sex workers who worked in the Bankside brothels licensed by the Bishop of Winchester, yet were allegedly denied Christian burial. It’s also a powerful statement of the Cathedral’s support for the protection of Crossbones Garden.
The service will be followed by a performance of poems and songs inspired by Crossbones, then a picnic in the garden. Free and open to all. Under 16s please bring a responsible adult.
1pm-1.15 The Dean and clergy leave Southwark Cathedral in procession. (You can join the procession on the west side of the Cathedral, or gather with us to greet them at Crossbones)
1.30 The Dean conducts the ‘Act of Regret, Remembrance, Restoration’ at Crossbones
2pm John Constable and Michelle Watson perform poems and songs from The Southwark Mysteries, inspired by Crossbones Graveyard and dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Followed by poems and songs by Friends of Crossbones
3pm-3.30 After the performance there’ll be a picnic in Crossbones Garden to celebrate Mary Magdalene – and John’s 65th Birthday. Refreshments will be provided. Please bring snacks and drinks to share, minimizing packaging and taking any rubbish away with you.
