The church stands in some side-streets, not far from the Old Kent Road, one of the main roads out of London. Being off the main roads, it is surprisingly quiet for a place so near to the city centre, though this does have the disadvantage that it is not well known except to locals. Nevertheless, the place is well-attended on a Sunday, and many people who have been coming here for years continue to do so even after they have into a different parish.

Inside, the church looks rather splendid, I think. Its architect was a man called Pugin, who was one of the best-known (in Catholic circles) of those working in the then newly-revived Gothic style. To me, it gives an impression of spaciousness and elegance, partly because the pillars and the arches are comparatively slender.

At the same time, the lines are simple and there is no 'fussiness' about the detail and decoration. There seems just enough light coming in from the windows (including four rather beautiful rose windows) to add to the air of spaciousness, without letting in so much light that it destroys the mood and atmosphere of the place (as in some modern churches).

The parish was founded by the Capuchin Franciscan friars about 150 years ago, and this is where they live, next to the church. Sadly, the number of Capuchins in this country has been declining for the past few years, which means there are not enough to maintain the same number of parishes as previously -- and they will have to withdraw from this parish some time in the next year or so.

I don't know if you find the same, but every time I move I am amazed at how much stuff I have accumulated over the years. Even after I'd spent a long time tidying up and clearing out, there still seemed a great deal to be moved. The tradition of the friars is to have as few personal belongings as possible, so as to be free to move wherever they are needed. I felt rather embarassed at the contrast with my quantity of possessions, as the friars helped me carry my boxes of books, videos, computer, etc. up the two flights of stairs to my new room. It took us over an hour!

This part of London is not, strictly speaking, where the Cockneys come from -- that is a bit further north. Still, the traditional culture of this area is not so very different. One of its features is the food, such as the Jellied Eels you get at eating houses such as this. It may be an acquired taste, but I'm not so sure I want to acquire it! Pie and Mash -- meat pie and mashed potato, I think -- is an alternative, which sounds a lot safer to me. Tastes are definitely changing, though. I reckon it won't be long before the most characteristic English dish will be curry, rather than roast beef or fish-and-chips. ... Give me curry rather than jellied eels any day!