Send flowers to Bow Church, Greater London

Flower Delivery to Bow Church, Stratford with Clare Florist

Churches all over the world have some very interesting stories to tell, especially those that have survived the ravages of time. The Bow Church in Stratford, Bow is no different.

Approximately 700 years ago, the locals of Stratford, Bow were obliged to go to St Dunstan’s church in Stepney, to attend a service. During the winter months, travel is not only inconvenient, but also risky, considering the weather. But it was not until the 14th century that the people gained confidence to petition to have their own place of worship to be built close by. Apart from the fact that they now have the funds, the road going to Stepney was also cut off by flooding.

On 17 November 1311, Bishop Ralph Baldock of London licensed the construction of the chapel. This gave people an opportunity to practise their religion without travelling far. Still, they need to go to St Dunstan’s to attend services on religious holidays as well as pay for its upkeep. This caused disputes, especially on the terms of arrangement. In 1497, a new agreement was reached with the following terms:

Locals in Bow would still acknowledge themselves as parishioners of Stepney

Pay 24 shillings annually for repairs and maintenance of St Dunstan’s

Dispense their attendance, except on the Wednesday in Whitsunweek and the feast of St Dunstan

It was in 1719 when Bow Church finally severed all connections to St Dunstan’s and was consecrated as the independent parish of St Mary, Stratford Bow on 6 April.

The present building dates back to the 14th century, while the tower was only added in the 15th century, and was built by Kentish Ragstone.

Downs and Ups

The chancel roof of the church collapsed in 1896, which prompted major restoration that was handled by the architect Osborn C Hills.

The London Blitz brought considerable damage to the church, wiping out the tower and the western part. What used to be a grand structure surrounded with Bow Church flowers was almost turned to rubble. The bell tower was restored after the Second World War.

In 1959, Queen Elizabeth visited the site, which started a campaign to have the church restored. The architect who oversaw the project was H S Goodhart-Rendel.

Reconstruction continued until 1950, but the gothic-style iron railings that surrounded the churchyard, complete with beautiful flowers in Bow Church, were only reinstated in 1984.

Notable Notes

Many famous people worship at Bow Church, but the most notable is George Lansbury. He was a Christian Socialist and pacifist, major politician during the first half of the 20th century, MP for Bow and Bromley, and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Inside the church, you will find monuments of Grace Amcottes, Alice Coborn and Prisca Coborn.

The church has many special events but monthly happenings include Open Saturdays, when the church is open for every first Saturday of the month, and Fairtrade Sundays that happens every second Sunday of each month, where a fair-trade stall sells lots of fairly traded goods. Other special events include the Christingle Service, Ecumenical Advent Course and Listening Group. Of course, marriage celebrations are also held in Bow Church.

If you are looking to send flowers to Bow Church or to Stratford for any events, special or otherwise, we can provide a large range of flowers that will be perfect for any occasion, most especially a wedding. So, order flowers for delivery to Bow Church or the local area and make someone happy today. We can supply flowers to Stratford delivered next day.