Bookings are now open for tours this Spring at St. George’s Church: May 17, May 24 and June 14.
St. George’s Church has major church status and has remained in continuous ecclesiastical use throughout its history. The church was designed in the Georgian Gothic style in 1823-24 by Henry Hemsley, who died shortly after construction began. His work was continued by Henry Edward Kendall, who added some Early English and Perpendicular influences on Hemsley's design. An outstanding feature of the church is its octagonal stone lantern, which served as a daytime navigational aid for shipping in the Channel and is currently lit at night-time year-round.
The western wall boasts a massive mural from 1885 by Henry Weigall. Entitled "From Darkness to Light" it depicts angels carrying a departed soul to Heaven, part of a late Victorian-era restoration carried out by architect William White in 1884.
The church has a wealth of more recent history, particularly from WWII. The Lady chapel is known as the Victory or Dunkirk Chapel. A highlight for visitors during the upcoming 85th Anniversary Commemorations of Operation Dynamo will be the stained-glass window showing the flotilla of Little Ships sailing from Ramsgate's Royal Harbour, evacuating troops from Dunkirk. A casket of Dunkirk sand is situated beneath the window.
St. George’s is now taking bookings for tours of both the Tower and Crypt. For those with a head for heights, the first part is a tour of the St. George’s lantern tower. This takes you up through the various rooms in the tower with a talk about the history of the building. View the church from the balcony, check out the workings of the church clock, see the old tubular bells, unique carvings, old parish magazines and the inside of the main roof structure. Finally, climb up a tall 55 step open staircase and through a hatch to the inside of the lantern for spectacular views of the town. You will get the best views of Ramsgate and sometimes even see France.
Following your descent from the tower you can discover the fascinating history hidden in the Crypt under the St. George’s Church building. See the family vaults and coffins, check out where people worshipped during the war and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing underground space.
Book early to avoid disappointment! Visit
https://stgeorgechurchramsgate.uk/crypt-and-tower-tours.
Booking for the tours can be accessed via the St. George’s website and the tours cost £5 each.
Tower Tours are 45 mins – 11am and 1pm.
Crypt Tours are 30-45 mins – 11:45am and 1:45pm
Bookings can be made for both tours or be made individually.