I should make my position clear. I don't have any personal religious beliefs, but I do like a church! I like the look of them and I like the feel of them and I like the history associated with them but really it stops there. If I had religious conviction, I'm pretty sure that I would object to an admission charge! Apparently, genuine worshippers do get in free, although I'm not sure exactly how you prove that you are genuine!
I haven't been into St Paul's or Westminster Abbey for many years, which is a real shame, they are both beautiful and fascinating buildings and I have no doubt that I will put aside my principles, hand over the cash and step over the threshold again...........eventually.
I do have another issue with both Westminster and St Paul's. The powers that be don't allow photographs to be taken within their walls. Is it because they want us to buy postcards, slides and books at the inevitable gift shop or is it that the taking of photographs in some way desecrates the sanctity of the building. I don't know, but if it's the latter, there does seem to be some inconsistency within the Church of England. Most churches have no problem with photography. Some of the other Cathedrals charge a modest fee for a "licence" to take pictures, which presumably offsets the losses in the gift shop as well as dealing with the issue of desecration. I don't have a problem with this. I do have a problem with not being able to take photographs at all. I'm a compulsive snapper. I like to record where I have been. This is not for glory or financial gain but in effect records the passage of my life. It is important to me.
Perhaps that is what really niggles me about paying to visit St Paul's. All of the pain, but none of the gain!
As I write this the bells have just started pealing, a wonderful sound..............or it would be if the joker accompanying the Mayors Skyride, which has swamped the City with flourescent clad cyclists, hadn't turned up the volume of his sound system to compete with them.
Oh well, time to move on.
Does the £12.50 include admission to the galleries? I've been thinking of going up to the Stone Gallery one of these days, but the cost and my asthmatic lungs are big deterrents.
ReplyDeleteI can sort of understand charging to get into the cathedrals, but there should be a more equitable pricing scheme. I think I paid 5 quid to get into Winchester Cathedral, which seemed about right. St Bart's the Great now costs about 4 quid to get into -- the only parish church to charge an admission fee. That's just not right.
It seems that the entry fee includes the galleries. There are also (paid for)tours that take in areas not included in the general admission. It is worth checking out the comprehensive web site - http://www.stpauls.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteIf you go to the online booking site they have a section giving details of times, a brief rundown of what you will see etc. Interestingly this is described as "Product Information" Draw your own conclusions from this!
Photography is covered here - http://www.stpauls.co.uk/News-Press/Press-Centre/Filming-and-Photography
I seem to being giving a completely negative view of St Paul's. I admit that I have serious issues with their attitude to visitors, but, I should also say that it must be seen. It is an important and beautiful building, both inside and out. It's also hard work if you want to get to the top.........but it is worth the effort.