Crossbones blessing and celebration of Mary Magdalene Day

For the third successive year, The Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, conducts a special service at Crossbones, the unconsecrated outcasts' burial ground.

This 'Act of Regret, Remembrance, Restoration' expresses regret for the treatment of the 'Winchester Geese', the women who worked in the Bankside brothels licensed by the Bishop of Winchester, yet were allegedly denied Christian burial. It is also an expression of of the Cathedral's support for the Crossbones Garden of Remembrance.

The service will be followed by a performance of poems and songs inspired by Crossbones, then a picnic in the garden. Free and open to all. Under 16s please bring a responsible adult.

Around 1pm The Dean leads a procession from Southwark Cathedral. (You can join the procession on the west side of the Cathedral, or gather to greet them at Crossbones Garden)

1.30pm The Dean conducts the 'Act of Regret, Remembrance, Restoration' in Crossbones Garden

2pm John Constable and Michelle Watson perform poems and songs from The Southwark Mysteries, inspired by Crossbones Graveyard and dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Followed by poems and songs by Friends of Crossbones

3pm Picnic in Crossbones Garden to celebrate St Mary Magdalene's Feast Day - and John's 65th Birthday. Refreshments provided. Please bring snacks and drinks to share, and leave the garden as you find it.

Presented by Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) in association with Friends of Crossbones and Southwark Cathedral.