The Present Church Building
" Almost hidden just South West of Kensington Palace is this beautiful building. The place's history lies heavy on you as soon as you step through the gate - you seem transported to ancient times. Inside, it is just as beautiful and serene. "
Early Churches of Kensington The Building of our Church Sir George Gilbert Scott
Wartime Damage The Cathedral-like Interior Famous Residents
Wartime Damage The Cathedral-like Interior Famous Residents
The church in 1862. Source RBK&C
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During the 18th and 19th centuries, the population grew considerably and between 1845 and 1873, 21 new churches and parishes were founded. The remaining parish, however, was still of significant size. By the 1860’s, therefore, the church was again considered too small; it was also in a serious state of dilapidation and decay, with the woodwork ruined by dry rot. The vicar, Archdeacon Sinclair, was the driving force in the years of rebuilding and fundraising, his first letter containing the memorable words: ‘the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be “exceedingly magnifical” - the work is great - for the palace is not for man but for the Lord |
The first intention was to build a new church immediately adjoining the existing one in gardens to the north of the churchyard.
George Gilbert Scott RA (later Sir George) was appointed architect, and he advised that the present site was ‘hardly to be surpassed for convenience and grandeur of position’.
He presented plans for a new church to be contained within the limits of the present churchyard, the building to have ‘a degree of dignity proportioned to the rank and position of the parish for which it is intended’.
The plans were accepted, the previous church demolished and, under contract to Dove brothers of Islington, the building work went swiftly forward, as did the collection of funds.
George Gilbert Scott RA (later Sir George) was appointed architect, and he advised that the present site was ‘hardly to be surpassed for convenience and grandeur of position’.
He presented plans for a new church to be contained within the limits of the present churchyard, the building to have ‘a degree of dignity proportioned to the rank and position of the parish for which it is intended’.
The plans were accepted, the previous church demolished and, under contract to Dove brothers of Islington, the building work went swiftly forward, as did the collection of funds.
