“Our Future is Greater Than Our Past” These words etched onto the How Memorial Gateway whisper a profound message. This isn’t just any gateway. It’s a testament to faith and resilience. It’s a survivor a silent witness to centuries of London history.
The How Memorial Gateway stands proudly. It’s a Victorian-era marvel. It’s the only part of St Leonard’s Priory to survive a devastating World War II bomb. The gateway was erected in 1894. It honors Reverend George Augustus Mayo How a beloved vicar. He served the Bromley St Leonard parish for two decades. His legacy lives on in this enduring structure.
The gateway’s story intertwines with that of St Leonard’s Priory. Originally a bustling Benedictine nunnery. The priory thrived for centuries. However by the time of Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries it was in decline. Its buildings fell into disrepair. Only fragments remained by the 17th century.
Then came the Huguenot refugees. They repurposed parts of the old priory church. This became the Parish Church of St Mary with St Leonard. It lasted until 1941 when a bomb reduced it to rubble. The How Memorial Gateway however withstood the blast. Its enduring strength speaks volumes about its construction. It also speaks of the unwavering faith it represents.
Today the gateway stands as a poignant reminder. It is a memorial to a bygone era. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of London. Despite the destruction of war and the passage of time. The How Memorial Gateway continues to stand tall. The gateway reminds us that faith and resilience can overcome adversity. A visit here is not just seeing an architectural marvel. It’s an opportunity to reflect on history. To reflect on the enduring human spirit. The gateway invites you to contemplate the past and embrace the future as suggested by Ben Okri’s inspiring words.