St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church crowns Barnet Hill at the crossing of Wood Street and High Street in the London Borough of Barnet. It is the ancient parish church of Chipping Barnet and belongs to the Diocese of St Albans. The church stands on the site of a chapel recorded in 1272, though it may have been built around 1250. A priest is mentioned in 1258, and the building was rebuilt about 1400 under Abbot John de la Moote and architect Beauchamp. William Butterfield renovated the church in 1871–72, moving the tomb of Thomas Ravenscroft into a new chapel. The church has survived fires and restorations, including a serious fire in 1974 that damaged the choir vestry. Repairs after the fire introduced new glass doors under the tower and a rebuilt choir vestry in 1984. The church houses a Perpendicular east window, clustered columns, and a low square tower built in the 15th century. Since 1950 it has been Grade II* listed, and it continues to serve the local community under successive vicars. Visitors find a nave and aisles divided by clustered columns and four pointed arches. The chancel contains good Perpendicular tracery, while a vestry dates from the reign of James I. The churchyard and surrounding streets reflect its long history at the heart of the old town. The building also hosts the High Barnet Chamber Music Festival, linking its heritage with contemporary culture.