Old Photographs

Glastonbury Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 1994.

Getting ready for the Corpus Christi procession, 1975.

Sr Mary Imelda and Fr O'Connor, 1975.

This photo from the Glastonbury Pilgrimage, shows the Bishop's throne with the 'Shield of Arms' above it, of the then Bishop of Clifton (presumably Dr Joseph Rudderham). In the foreground is the shield depicting the papal emblem; triple tiara and cross keys of St Peter. Both shields were painted by parishioner Tony Wheeler (seated centre).

Depicts the episcopal heraldic arms of Bishop Mervyn Alexander at Glastonbury Pilgrimage in the Abbey ruins.

This photo was generously donated by Samantha, daughter of the late Eileen Williams. It was taken in July 1939, with Mary Elliot (nee Roche), holding daughter Imelda, and her husband Wilfred (holding son Brian). In the front row are daughters, Maureen, Eileen and Joan. Sadly, in 1940, Joan was killed in a lorry accident outside the church and Wilfred died in a POW camp in Japan during World War II.)

1930. Benediction behind old church, showing Alfred Squire with the thurible. He subsequently worked on the buiilding of the new Church as an employee of Dunthorn the builders.

Corpus Christi procession, c1966.

Crowning of Our Lady at May procession, c1954 - a temporary altar was set up infront of the Sacred Heart chapel. Irene Donnely crowned the statue and Veronica Brunt (nee Weeks) was the cushion bearer.

First Communion procession led by Tony Wheeler, with the old Convent hall in the background - pre 1963.

May Queen Procession, with the crowning of statue in the Convent field.

2011. Eric Gill statue of Madonna and Child returns to Glastonbury, displayed at Glastonbury Abbey visitor centre. Click image to read full article.

Stained glass windows in St Mary's. Read more...

1960's. Celebrating Corpus Christi in the garden behind Somerset House.

1982. Fr Tranter celebrates his first mass as priest at St. Mary's.

1970s. First Communicants with Fr O'Connor and Sr Imelda, outside St Marys church.

1978. Sr Imelda with girls ready for the Corpus Christi procession.

July 1939. Laying of the foundation stone of the new St Marys, by Bishop of Clifton Rt. Rev. William Lee.

Early 1960's. Visit of Archbishop Heenan. Present: Canon Fitzpatrick (parish priest 38-44), Abbot of Downside, Monsignor Long, Archbishop Heenan, Bishop Rudderham, Canon Hackett, Fr. James O'Brien (parish priest).

This "Madonna and Child" statue, carved by Eric Gill, stood in the niche of the old church. After the church was demolished, it was transferred to the convent garden.

This is a photo of the interior of the old church. On the left the first statue Our Lady can be seen. Larger image of which can be seen below.

This painting of Abbot Richard Whiting, by parishioner Tony Wheeler, used to hang beside the chapel in the convent and is now to be found in St Marys church.

This statue was in both churches until 1955, when the current statue of Our Lady was made. Then it was in the convent chapel. It is now in the convent at Richmond, Surrey.

1960's. Corpus Christi. Starting the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. From left: Doug Pattison, Tony Wheeler, Fr. McNamara, George Hann, Mr Thompson, Bill English, Jack Keers and Sr. Ignatius.

1965. Crowning of the present statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury, with the golden diadem, in place of her wooden one. Parishioners donated their jewellery to be melted down to make this diadem.

1960's. Annual Church Bazaar.

1982. Paper cutting. Parishioners present gifts to Fr. John O'Connor, on his leaving after 15 years as parish priest.

17 June 1965. Parishioners enjoying a parish dinner, in the convent hall.

17 June 1965. Parishioners enjoying a parish dinner, in the convent hall.

17 June 1965. Parishioners enjoying a parish dinner, in the convent hall.

Mid 60's. Confirmation group outside St Marys, with Bishop Rudderham and Fr. McNamara.

1930's. This sketch, by Tony Wheeler, shows the first St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. It was a converted stable, attached to the convent. In the gable-end niche stands a statue by Eric Gill.

c1926. Clearly not the church depicted in the sketch to the left. Can anyone help identify this building?