03 Aug Bermondsey Abbey’s ‘Amazing Mazer’ at the V&A

St Mary Magdalen Church, on Bermondsey Street, has occupied the same site since 1290. It was originally built to serve the non-religious workers at Bermondsey Abbey. The Abbey was dissolved in 1537 by King Henry VIII and nothing now remains of it above ground, although there are remains under Bermondsey Square. St Mary Magdalen church itself was demolished in 1680 and rebuilt retaining the 15th century medieval tower with gothic window and arches.

The only known silver item from Bermondsey Abbey, known as the Bermondsey Mazer, is owned by the church and currently in the care of the Victoria & Albert museum. The mazer is a large medieval silver plate.  To see it, enter the V&A by the main Cromwell Road entrance, turn first right, down the steps and it is the last item on the right in the long gallery. The church is hoping to develop a legacy centre in the next few years to better display its rich history.

St Mary Magdalen church is at 193 Bermondsey Street SE1 3UW. More  here.