A Seat for Everyone
How did the interior of the church look in 1872 and why are there no fixed pews?
St Mary Magdalene’s Church was never fitted with fixed pews. Instead, it was furnished with moveable chairs, a deliberate decision reflecting the church’s commitment to social equality. In many Victorian churches, pews were often rented by wealthier parishioners, leaving the poor standing or seated at the back. But here, all seats were equal and flexible, removing social divisions and allowing the space to adapt for worship or community gatherings.
This choice echoes the church’s Anglo-Catholic roots, which combined rich liturgy with a deep concern for the poor and working-class community it served.
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