Our first "fifth week" event was a visit to St Bride's Church, Fleet Street. Also known as "The Journalists' Church", its spire is said to have been the inspiration behind the modern tiered wedding cake.

We were greeted by Head Verger Robin, who introduced us to Tracey, our guide for the morning.

We started with an interactive journey through the main events in the life of the church - from the medieval period, the establishment by Wynkyn de Worde of his printing press in the churchyard of St Bride’s in 1500, the destroying of the building in the great fire of 1666 and its subsequent rebuilding by Sir Christpher Wren through to the Blitz and another substantial rebuild.

Not one us failed to be totally enthralled by the magnificent trompe l’oeil behind the Altar nor to be moved by the Journalists' Altar.

After sometime exploring the main church, Tracey led us down into the crypt. A fascinating place which houses a small exhibition with display boards and artefacts that help to tell the story of the building since Roman times and where parts of the walls of earlier buildings can be seen. We were also priviliged to be shown the remains of a Roman street, the charnel house and the ossuary and to learn about the valuable leagcy that the bones in the latter room have left.

We concluded the morning with a very well received lunch at the nearby "Ye Old Bell".

Despite the morning delays on the Elizabeth Line and a rather damp feel to the weather, a really enjoyable visit and a great start to "The Fifth Week" Initiative. Many thanks to Peter for organising this.