We always recommend the Cafe in the Crypt at St Martib-in-the-Fields for a great bite to eat. From time-to-time we point you in the direction of a concert at that self-same church. But a recent trip to Trafalgar Square brought childhood memories flooding back when we tried a spot of brass rubbing. Here's what the St Martin's website has to say on the topic:
"Brass rubbing in London and throughout the UK was a fashionable Victorian pastime that continues to be popular today.
Visitors to churches wanted to take home a memento of their experience. Brass rubbing was their inspired solution.
With some paper and a waxy crayon, visitors could trace over the brass monuments that were marking burial places and decorating the church. Eventually this ‘rubbing of brasses’ caused damage but the desire to mark a visit in a creative way was more popular than ever. The dilemma was solved by creating sets of replica brasses to carry on the tradition without causing any damage to the fabric of the original monuments or stonework.
Brass rubbing at St Martin’s is fun for all ages. Our collection of over 100 replica brasses from churches and cathedrals across the UK includes medieval knights in armour, fire-breathing dragons and the bejeweled ladies in waiting of rescue. Or be inspired by people like St George and William Shakespeare.
Once you have made your selection our team is on hand to provide specialist paper, a choice of metallic waxes and to show you how it is done. Then it is up to you to get creative.
Prices for brass rubbing start at £4.50"
St Martin-in-the-Fields Trafalgar Square London WC2N 4JJ
http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/
A London Walk costs £9 – £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com