As part of the festival's theme “Voices”, we explain that St Mary-at-Finchley is more than just a building. Our heritage tours tell stories about our history - ancient and modern- and have put Barnet on the map as a cultural destination.
The building is Grade II* listed and there are seven Grade II monuments in the churchyard. There is also an interesting story to tell about Turner and his painting of St Mary-at-Finchley.
A quote from Philip Mould, famous art curator and presenter of Fake or Fortune?: “The Church and Churchyard Project at St. Mary at Finchley embodies a poignant reclamation of our shared heritage. The planned restoration of the Georgian Sundial, as depicted in the 1793 watercolour by JMW Turner, offers a remarkable opportunity to preserve a remarkably evocative and documented cultural artifact. Such projects are invaluable in keeping our past alive for future generations.”
