The REDUNDANT CHURCH next to England’s TOP SECRET Science Labs

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Intro / exit music by Ben Maton
You can also donate to the work of the Churches Conservation Trust by clicking here: www.visitchurc...
Their work is invaluable in keeping these buildings open and well-maintained.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Remember to click subscribe if you enjoy my videos… 🎉🎉 Totally free and keeps you up to date!

[@jamielaidlaw]

The English statistician and founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, died on this day in 1910. In her Notes on Nursing from 1863, she noted the positive effects of patients being able to look out a window and of “beautiful objects, of a variety of objects, and especially of brilliancy of colour.” She thought having “something natural at your bedside would help you get better,” wrote Stephen Marche. “She wasn’t wrong.” Ben, I will be forever grateful to you for taking us to the church where this awesome legend is at rest. Grazie mille

[@matthewstokes1608]

Once again, you've made this old expat Kentish Englishman, thousands of miles away from home, extremely happy to hear such beautiful sounds - (also this week from your brother). As an architect I love to watch this excellent show of yours for the buildings and visual atmosphere alone... but as T S Eliot said, "architecture is frozen music". Your own composition was also as marvelous as I'd have expected a composition from you to be judging by your playing and by your sense of style. Once I finish a building project here in central Mexico with my wife Rocio we shall be able to donate at least a little by way of a thankyou from a semi-broke old Anglican who remembers when these churches had congregations and life ... I have absolutely no doubt (as unpopular as it to dare say such things) that at some point in the future, once the current shower of woefully Godless Britons finally awakes from its current suicidal venture into greed, self-love and laziness, or gets replaced by a new generation with more imagination, there will be a massive revival in Christianity and its eternal Beauty - and these very same organs you revive will be played to full parish congregations once again with voices raised in pride of the old songs. I think you are doing a superb thing by making this series... Thank you, from San Miguel de Allende.

[@SuzanneTheme]

Amen.

[@RobertJohnsonmusic]

The inclusion of Billy (aka 'Guinea') as a masterful, classical guitarist has added new and superb elegance to your video tours, Ben. Bravo, Gentlemen!

[@johnsomers8269]

Will you and Billy ever organize a concert that would help support you and Friends of Friendless Churches? Seems a match made in Musicdom!

[@Rollinglenn]

Hear! Hear! That is a splendid idea to support that worthy organization.

[@CarinDelfs]

Wow!! The Spanish Romance is fantastic thanks for your work!

[@baxtercol]

I listen to you from the states each week and look forward eagerly to those visits. This week's foray is really special for me because I am in the hospital having had my severely inflamed gallbladder removed yesterday I am in a great deal of pain feeling pretty lousy. Your gorgeous music and cheery demeanor are the perfect doctor ordered combination. Thank you and your very talented helpful brother.

[@Anagrams458]

Wishing you a good and quick recovery.

[@kesmarn]

Ben, Billy, beauty and music are online opioids. And just as addictive. Hope that you're feeling better soon.

[@Csharpflat5]

Get well soon.

[@baxtercol]

@@Anagrams458 thank you so much. When I see the beautiful English churches and Countryside and of course your gorgeous music, it's so hard to believe there's so much distance between us. Thank you for taking the time to write. I definitely appreciate it

[@baxtercol]

@@kesmarn thank you so much for taking the time to write and you are absolutely correct. Blessings

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Skeeters is the Louisiana and South Texas word for mosquitoes. They’re like airborne piranhas.

[@kesmarn]

And of course, tomatoes would be "maters," and occasionally potatoes, "taters." I don't live in the South, but these expressions do tend to drift north -- travelling from one "holler" (hollow) to the next. Conversely, I love to hear the pronunciation of "cathedral" as "cafeedral," or "thirty" as "firty" in some areas of England. 😀

[@NoelCampbell-e2l]

Ben, when you play the organ in these beautiful but sadly empty churches, one can feel a life spirit present in them! It is as though the building is smiling. Thanks to Billy also. Greetings from Ireland. 🇮🇪☘️🙏

[@KenG557]

Billy's classical guitar and your organ music are a match made in Heaven. 🙏👍

[@waynevaughan7159]

Beautiful Welsh hymn, thanks,Ben always glad to hear your contribution to music and history.

[@wendydykeman2609]

I can’t tell you how much I love your videos. Especially the Bach but also all the hymns. Keep having Billy play. I tell all my piano students to watch your videos. Your hand position is beautiful.

[@cannyexplorer5357]

When I visit an old church my first look is up at its ceiling. Some have the most beautiful painted ceilings, others the most wonderful carvings. It so good that those churches that have been abandoned are now being looked after.

[@georgebuck4071]

You and Billy play so wonderfully together. You are Blessed to have such a musical family.

[@kesmarn]

Over 1200 views in the first hour. Billy, is it time to arrange a contract with your brother? Your value in the increasing popularity of the channel is still in the "incalculable" stage. It might be time to start calculating. 🙂 So... the next adventure combines riding about the countryside in a vehicle of dubious safety with the possibility of consuming tea within close range of where the world's experts on novochok do their work? Are you sure you don't want to rethink this one? But seriously, the new composition is perfection. Not only in and of itself, but in the way that the building itself, the grounds and the entire ambience are all factored into the creation of the music. Thank you so much, once again for all the hard work that you put into creating so much fun and satisfaction for the rest of us. We'll make every effort to support you as much as possible!

[@jessehankla8193]

Totally agreed!!

[@kesmarn]

@@jessehankla8193 Thank you so much!

[@paulhall170]

Hyfrydol most often is the tune used when singing Charles Wesley's "Love divine, all loves excelling" As with many such collaborations, the words and the melody are a match made in heaven. Thank you for playing it!

[@jilliemc]

I know it primarily as the tune for Alleluia, Sing to Jesus. I am including it in my funeral service plans.

[@susangerber9869]

Beautiful music Ben. You and Billy are very talented. Thank you for the music.

[@doerthemanahan9912]

That is one of the hymns that I remember from our church. I have always loved singing it. Thank you for your wonderful playing of this organ.

[@roberthershberger9125]

We sang it just yesterday in Church, and it was delightful.

[@satomistout353]

Spanish Romance - It's so beautiful.

[@KenG557]

Ben, you, your music, and your presentation are all simply charming. I was hoping Guinea would play his guitar to accompany you today! Lovely! Andre Segovia would be delighted. 👍 Best wishes from Virginia, and please be careful driving on the wrong side of the road. 😉 I believe I'll have a cheese and pickle sandwich to celebrate this video. 😋

[@divadaedalus]

Hello from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Rainy weekend.

[@KenG557]

@@divadaedalus I'm in the southwestern Virginia mountains! Lots of rain yesterday. What a treat to share the history and beauty of those ancient English churches and organs! 😊

[@davidcraggs3770]

I wonder if that organ can support a full congregation

[@barriesmith3489]

I had a friend that was born in the thirty’s and built organ in London as a youth he even found an organ in Australia that had parts that he had made as many put their initials on their work he also played

[@norahdenovan8658]

You both make me so happy. Never stop doing this wonderful work guys. Love to you both ❤️🙏

[@tomarmstrong1281]

I am not a trained musician, with a hodge-podge collection of musical knowledge and a shaky ability to stagger through a few keyboard pieces memorised by rote based on a rudimentary understanding of chord structure. It is a joy to watch this young man, well-trained and confident, effortlessly play well-known hymn tunes and bring these old and probably seldom-used instruments to life.

[@robertmdaniels]

Love the beard! Lovely music by you and your brother, Billy! Church was really a suprise and delightful. Many thanks go to those responsible to preserve the heritage and you to highlight the work they do!

[@debcarroll8192]

Not that you would want to give up any part of your history, but I sometimes wish that some of your beautiful unused churches could somehow be transported to the U.S. Here in Tennessee, we are constantly building new churches, but none of them are as glorious as yours! It saddens me that the congregations have left so many of your churches, but I am glad that there are people who still preserve and care for them. Thank you for another wonderful video with Billy!

[@KenG557]

Have you seen the two churches with beautiful fresco paintings in West Jefferson and Glendale Springs, North Carolina? Well worth a visit, and near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

[@marekeos]

I'm watching you in Vancouver, Canada. "Spanish Romance" is an absolute masterpiece. Dude, you knocked it out of the park! My wife walked into the room asking what I'm listening to. It is an absolute masterpiece Ben! Right up there with the Masters.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Awesome. Love this so thank you. I’ll write a few more!!

[@sylvieb623]

Beautiful ! This Hyfrydol melody is used for the Easter hymn "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" 🇨🇦 And the melancholic Spanish Romance truly speaks to the heart! ❤🎹

[@JohnMatthews-tv7tf]

I knew the destination of Ben's latest trip as soon as I saw the title, followed by the video of a very familiar road. I live in the Bourne Valley, in a village next to Idmiston, about a mile from this church. One thing to remember about these redundant churches is that although they are not used routinely for services anymore they are often still in use by the community and very much loved and cherished. Older villagers may well have been baptised and married in the church and family members buried in the churchyard. I know there is a dedicated group of villagers who look after Idmiston church on a daily basis - it has always been open when I go past. Special events are sometimes held there - I went to a really interesting exhibition there in 2022 to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, looking at the local area of 70 years ago. I also understand that services are still held there occasionally, such as at Easter and Christmas. I'm sure that other redundant churches in other villages are also still at the heart of their communities. Incidentally, Ben, I felt for you when that tractor went by. They're huge these days and the road through the village isn't very wide! Looking forward to your trip to Boscombe.

[@matthewbbenton]

Regarding the organ vs. piano debate: András Schiff has noted that certain parts of Bach’s WTC require sustained voices that only an organ can manage, so Bach may have written them with an organ in mind. Either way, your performance of the B-flat minor prelude was absolutely gorgeous.

[@terencefield3204]

You warm my heart with your love of the England I love, and as an expatriate, miss daily. Bless you.

[@user-jx3jp3gb4x]

the Spanish Romance for Organ! My word! You are so talented. God certainly blessed you with a gift only He can give. I absolutely love this piece, and as I was sitting with anticipation of the resolve, I was hoping it would resolve to Major! AND IT DID!!!! I cried as if I was experiencing a piece by Bach but no, it was all you!!!! Just fantastic! Big hugs from me to you. Gosh!!!!! And thank Billy for me too. My Sunday afternoon is now complete.

[@ItsOlaOlowo]

That epic soundtrack gives me goose bumps every time I open your video.

[@orrvilleneil]

Thanks Ben and Billy for taking us along to see All Saints church. The Welsh hymn is one of my favorites, Bach is always good, and loved the Spanish Romance!

[@MeCalvin]

Nice. Beautiful ancient church and beautiful music on an excellent instrument back in Salisbury. Perfect.

[@irenastansby5861]

I am sure the spirits of the past are rejoicing when these now sadly empty and "redundant" churches are filled with beautiful music. Thank you so much Ben and Billy - there is hope thanks to you

[@pamelafrancis4476]

Thank you for The Spanish Romance, it is truly beautiful and haunting.

[@MartinConkling]

You did it again! A wonderful combination of literary history, music, architecture, and ecclesial art! Including the Lutheran, Bach, was a great touch as well as your new piece, "Spanish Romance."

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

Ben’s young brother gives the Salisbury Organist’s channel the Billy bounce with a huge increase in views. Was hoping to hear Billy play Romanza on the guitar with Ben playing Vivaldi as an organ accompaniment. The combination of musical instruments would have enthralled the villagers who died 700 years ago.

[@sharonkent8267]

Thanks Ben. Really enjoy watching your church visits and organ recitals every week.

[@nancyfalciani5499]

Hi Ben-Your Spanish Romance was breathtaking! Absolutely beautiful. As we say in the US, it simply blew me away! Well done. I could listen to that piece for hours. Wonderful program and I loved the church!

[@billymeyer99]

So good to hear your own compositions

[@rockross8561]

Dear Ben, I love seeing and hearing you re-inhabit these old worthy churches...Excelsior!

[@colingeorgeh]

I’m learning a lot about the organ watching this channel. I play piano and synths. I will probably never get a chance to play an organ. I had two aunts who played the organ. Our church just got rid of their pipe organ and just use a grand piano and guitars and drums. I love the sound of pipe organs and I love listening to Bach. I love this channel. Your videos are excellent. Thanks for making them. Keep up the great work.

[@nevillepalmer1]

So much emotion with your playing, lovely to hear you.

[@Ripleycat]

Loved the Bach and the Spanish romance. Loved your collaboration with bro Billy. Thank you!❤

[@pambatchelder8810]

Thanks!

[@helenel4126]

I loved that rendition of Hyffydol. It's my favorite hymn.

[@katherinemcintire2638]

Ben, once again you have given us a delightful musical experience! Thanks so much!!

[@cathycole9577]

Your composition “Spanish Romance (Romania)” is sublime. I hope you publish it. Thank you for this lovely video.

[@ventusborealis2414]

That Spanish romance played by you was so amazing, rather splendid church visit again, thank you. I love English countryside and would like to be there still sometimes. I have been attracted in English hymns past years and I really admire your christian history. I wish you'll get a new revival in christianity so that these places of worship will stay in right use. God bless you brothers! P.S. Guinea is also talented and jolly good chap. 🎩 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚜️🇬🇧 Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

[@bryanoneil7647]

Each week just gets better and better Ben! Your compositions are wonderful and the stories you tell do justice to the centuries of people who have worshipped in these places. Thank you!

[@sfutterer1234]

You love music, Ben. I can see it. I really like music myself. It does something to the spirit. God bless you and Billy. I really like the sound of his guitar.

[@jacoboVE_Cultura]

Este video me a resultado placentero su visualización y esta hermosa iglesia románica es de encantadora arquitectura, construida algunos siglos antes de la convulsa reforma de Enrique VIII, el órgano muy bello tanto de estética como de sonido y resulta perfecto el bello sonido de la guitarra española. Un abrazo a los dos por tan didáctica creación.😊

[@jessehankla8193]

One of my favorites, Ben. Due to a number of hand and arm surgeries, I really no longer play, but I have MM and DMA degrees in piano, from the U. of Oklahoma. We are both blessed with younger, super talented siblings. How blessed we are!

[@kesmarn]

What an amazingly positive attitude you have in a situation that many would find frustrating.

[@jessehankla8193]

@@kesmarn I have learned just how much I enjoyed with musicology. I always enjoyed history, literature, and theory, but now I have found my love for this area of our profession has increased, as my ability to play has gone downhill. Thanks so much for your kind comment.

[@kesmarn]

@@jessehankla8193 You're most gracious! Sometimes a loss brings with it an unexpected gain. One of life's autumn season mysteries, I believe.

[@jessehankla8193]

@@kesmarn Thank you for your kind words. I have for years I have thought of my life in terms of the seasons. I am trying to make the best of the time I have left. It will be 75 next Sunday, so I want to be the best I can be for the remaining time. Life is still very good, but if He wants me tonight, that is also fine!

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

A most excellent video at a most secret place

[@dennisbarnes8447]

Hi Ben and Billy at about 3:45 into your video I caught the glimpse of what I think is a pump organ. I love those little instruments...just wondering if it works or not? Thank you for all the awesome video which keep me occupied/entertained/and blessed at this time of my life. God has used you to make rough places smooth.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

It’s there - but it doesn’t work!

[@MelvaFisher-l8h]

Iagree with the comments. Your videos are something I lookforwardto each week. I love that you include so much history of these beautiful old buildings andtheir organs livingi. The US where we haven’t such history and no churches that come close to these you have in the UK. Thank you for this series of videos. I hope you keep it up for as long as possible. Thank you to Billy also it isgoid that you. Is include him on this forays into the British countryside. Perhaps he could play a mini concert for us inthe future

[@cs3742]

Behind every beautifully maintained old church is a person and possibly several persons who are making it happen. Somebody is doing this work! My profound thanks whoever you are.

[@philiptaylor8790]

I was fortunate enough to live in the Bourne valley through the 80s. I'm enjoying thoroughly your descriptions and beautiful music. Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset, forever in my heart just behind the great county of Yorkshire.

[@duaneadams5210]

Now my Sunday is complete. Another really great video. You are a genius with these small organs and make them sound so good. How I wish we were neighbors. I'd bore you with requests for music to be played. I really enjoy your presentations and Thank You for your effort in making them.

[@jenni48.32]

Wonderful church with medieval charisma.Music delightful wonder.Thankyou for sweet praises

[@GeoffreyGrinton]

Thank you Ben. Your words always complement the instruments and the music so well. Can I draw your attention to East Knoyle, where Christoper Wren was baptised. An aunt of mine played there after WW1 and was wooed by an Australian soldier who she eventually joined in Australia.

[@jilliemc]

I look forward each Sunday to your video. I play organ and/or piano every Sunday morning at a local church, come home and review the live stream (to see how I might improve), eat lunch, then watch the service from the church of my ❤ in Plano, TX, then look for your video. Thank you for being the inspiration that you are!

[@Kimberlaina]

WOW! That composition is truly amazing! Listening gave me chills. Best yet!

[@pixmahler5859]

Been waiting hours for today’s post.🥰

[@cynthiacarr4252]

Love this beautiful composition. Thank you.

[@claudinejones7894]

What a beautiful Spanish Romance Ben! Beautiful little church in Idminston, thank you for letting us visit it with you. I love your videos and the music you choose is so well adapted to the church buildings you are showing us , you are a very talented musician and video maker.

[@chriscarson2547]

The B-flat min prelude, along with it's fugue in book one are my favorite of the set. Thanks Ben! Best wishes from Tacoma, Washington, USA.

[@lizwilliams14]

That was lovely as usual. I am always impressed at how much research you have to do for each of your videos. I love seeing those old churches and hearing your stories. And it was nice to see you back at St. Martin’s. That’s a lovely church. You did not have to drive so far to visit this church. I remember you saying you used lots of diesel. I don’t know anyone who uses diesel. I asked my son. He has five cars, not all of which are going at the moment, including an antique Camaro convertible and a 1988 VW Scirocco that was his every day car at one time (not in 1988!). He said trucks use it. Thousands of people have trucks here. I was wondering when your latest film would be posted. I always look forward to it. I have been sharing them with my friends and reminding them to subscribe and donate. Liz❤

[@Anagrams458]

I noticed in one of Ben's videos that his car is a VW. Some of them do use diesel .

[@lizwilliams14]

@@Anagrams458Not in Saskatchewan, Canada. My son would know. He’s a German car person! He had several Golfs or whatever they were called. As well as the Scirocco. He also has two Audis. Gas stations sell diesel because some trucks use diesel and this is “half ton” country!

[@Anagrams458]

@lizwilliams14 oh, okay. I'm probably thinking of the old Jettas...did they use diesel, maybe?

[@Anagrams458]

I could be wrong on both counts. It's happened before, haha. Canadian here too, btw.

[@PoppyBryn2013]

@@Anagrams458 Diesel is very common fuel for vehicles in the UK. My current car is the first petrol/gasoline car I've had in about eight years. I used to have a diesel Golf, like Ben has.

[@marthawatson4162]

It is so good to see you play the Organ in these Old Churches. Thank you from New Jersey, USA.

[@noelways]

As an American, it is creepy watch you drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Aside from that, I really enjoy your videos. It has always been a desire to cross the "pond" and explore vestiges of my Christian past. Your videos may be the closest to it that I ever get.

[@u.e.frei-heit581]

Yes, i agree, for me it's also the "wrong" side! Kind regards from Switzerland

[@Csharpflat5]

Funny thought the same, and I grew up in the UK, been in the States for 30 years, would be hard to drive there now.

[@nicholaswalker9779]

I read somewhere that it was Napoleon that made everyone drive on the wrong side of the road, i.e. the right side, before that people drove on the right side, i.e. the left, and many countries still do. Even Sweden drove on the left till 1967!

[@angusmcallister111]

It’s also has something to do with carriage drivers holding horses reigns in the left and the whip in the right - also the side that if attacked by highway men, most ‘right handed’ drivers could control the horses and use the whip at the same time! So sitting on the right of the carriage, driving on the left of the road, having a dominant arm to fend off attacks! 🤣

[@dalelestourgeon3355]

Thanks for bringing these organs to the world. Also helping me relive my happy times exploring and playing village organs in Oxfordshire in 1960s when I was stationed at RAF BrizeNorton(then USAF).

[@graceveenema4762]

Your composition is wonderful! Such talent. I really enjoy your channel. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@MrJackrlove]

Your brother Billy is very talented. The guitar strings are reminiscent of a Baroque lute. Music so appropriate for these historic churches.

[@T-41]

Wonderful, another inspirational program. Thanks!

[@1tarse]

Thank you very much from Canada !

[@roysrants147]

I'm sure your parish appreciates all your musical gifts. Beautiful composition!

[@lindabaumann4328]

Great performance of the Bach piece. Amazing! Thank you!

[@twbrandt]

Lovely video as always. Thanks for sharing!

[@tlogan2563]

Loved the new composition. I also liked the major key change. Thanks !!!!!

[@jessehankla8193]

Always welcome back and Billy!!

[@LCannon78]

Beautiful as always! ❤Thank you 🙏🏾

[@richardholappajr.6184]

Fantastic episode, always a delight ! Thank you, Ben and Billy!

[@susanhague4719]

Quite splendid!

[@maryannsall3704]

Thanks!

[@BLBurns2000]

Love the overtone on the flutes.

[@daviddaintree9187]

Charming - thank you!

[@Kansas66]

I almost expected the police from Midsomer Murders to be standing at the pillars

[@philiphumphrey1548]

The Midsomer Murders theme tune would be interesting to play on a church organ.

[@Feathe3642]

Haha 😆

[@DuaneDeuel]

I certainly enjoy your videos and the old beautiful hymns from my youth. 13:54

[@davef.2329]

Another fine video produced by collaboration of the brothers, Maton! Your efforts are eagerly looked forward to and enjoyed each Sunday now. A long time ago, some relatives of mine traipsed around those same towns and roads you show here. Thanks for sharing your talents and showing this history and places most of us will never see. Oh, and will we get to hear Billy speak next video? lol Be well, guys.

[@Feathe3642]

I get the feeling that when Billy speaks, it’s really worth listening to!

[@davef.2329]

@@Feathe3642 Quite. These brothers, both, would be captivating to converse and enjoy a couple of Remy Martins with after supper.

[@JeeWeeD]

The keys are clackier than usual... At the same time, the motor is extremely silent. Next to that, Billy looked so ready for secret bases, with his sunglasses at the start X-D

[@DeinAstroCoach]

I discovered your channel only recently. How wonderful are those churches and organs. And your Spanish romance!!! ❤

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Welcome!!

[@johnsomers8269]

Would you also demonstrate your cheese and pickle sandwich making?

[@bealeachhatler5149]

Thanks!

[@EGYong-sj3cc]

Nice. Love the piece....write something that really is for small organ and guitar...that is lovely!

[@nickolasfuldauer8410]

Thanks! How can I buy a copy of your exquisite Spanish Romance?Gabriele

[@gonerustic]

Love your original composition Ben and it sounds wonderful on the big organ. Could we also please have a complete guitar and organ version sometime with you and your brother?

[@peterfindlay2756]

Well worth the watch. Thank you both for you music.

[@thomaslai5303]

The Spanish Romance is gorgeous and Imposing!

[@carlhester3921]

Thanks!

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Thank you!

[@bjoeljones]

It is disheartening to see such a quintessential parish kirk like All Saints to sit unused. So sad, although thankfully, it is being preserved. Braw playing of Hyfridol, Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B Flat minor, as well as your Spanish Romance. You and Billy make a good team musically. Slàinte Mhath🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 from Oklahoma.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Agreed- and thank you for watching :)

[@alankovacs7636]

Bravo Sir!