Comments on: Phil Mills, Steeplekeeper At St Vedast’s

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Thu, 24 May 2018 19:29:37 +0000

Fascinating reading about Phil’s passion for bells. My sister Kate learnt to ring at St Lukes Chelsea when barely into her teens, and is still ringing over 60 years later. Due to age and arthritic hands, she can no longer ring a full Peel. For over 30 years she lived in Windsor, and was invited to join the Curfew Tower ringers. As well as ringing every week, she also rang for Royal Weddings, Funerals, and State Occasions. A Curfew Tower ringer can be a lifetime position, but as she and her husband retired to the South West a few years ago, she relinquished her position at the Castle. It was of great benefit to me during those years, as she was always given tickets for special occasions, and I attended more than one annual Garter Ceremony which was a great privilege.

By: Elizabeth Olson

Elizabeth Olson — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:38:59 +0000

Could hear the joyous clanging of bells in every word when I read aloud to share with spouse. However do you find, GA, a perfect documentary for enjoying with every daybreak? You are a brilliant wordsmith conveyor indeed.
Thank you for providing such an historical and uplifting musical notation.

By: The Idle Prentice

The Idle Prentice — Tue, 22 May 2018 19:15:28 +0000

I’m intrigued to see the apotropaic symbols – sometimes referred to as “witch marks” – in amongst the graffiti on the walls. These are the compass drawn “daisy wheels” that can be seen here and also the W. It’s been written that the W is actually VV which stands for Virgo Virginum or Virgin of Virgins which is an invocation of the Virgin Mary against bad luck and evil. Look for this symbol carved into chimney bressumers of the next Tudor building you visit and the likelihood is that you’ll see them carved there too.

All very naughty stuff in post reformation England!

The 18th century is really approaching the end of the period in which we would expect to find those carved into church walls.

It is possible that the tower is actually part of the medieval fabric of the church but I’m not sure.

For further reading on this fascinating subject I can Recommend Mathew Champion’s book Medieval Graffiti – The Lost Voices of England’s Churches

By: Geoff Stocker

Geoff Stocker — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:40:40 +0000

Another Gem from GA the more you find out about London and it’s people the more we are amazed and Phil Mills is an amazing man. I have been a Freeman at Goldsmiths Hall further down Foster Lane for 46 years so l recommend anyone to visit the Hall where they hold excellent fairs and exhibitions and then along to St. Vedast’s which is wonderful and also go to the lovely paved courtyard next to the church.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Tue, 22 May 2018 11:13:25 +0000

Loved meeting this gent – with the added bonus of seeing the inscribed initials. Wonderful.

Great to read a review of “East End Vernacular” in the latest edition of World of Interiors magazine. I suspect their readership and yours are very kindred. (if I am any indication!)

Onward and upward, with bells on.

By: Jan Toms

Jan Toms — Tue, 22 May 2018 07:23:22 +0000

Thank you for this. I had not heard of this church before but its life reflects all the other historic places of worship scattered around the country. I love the sound of bells, their resonance. In my native Isle of Wight, I occasionally catch the music of bellringing practice in Carisbrooke, magic.

By: John Barrett

John Barrett — Tue, 22 May 2018 07:15:28 +0000

A very noble and skilled calling Phil in the christian tradition – I like. Poet John Poetry Soc, Bus pass poets

By: Paul Loften

Paul Loften — Tue, 22 May 2018 00:23:14 +0000

A highly esteemed and respected profession, although perhaps not quite the opinion voiced from those who live next door to a steeple early on a Sunday morning . Seriously though, a wonderful insight to the intricate workings of an obscure trade. Thank you GA