All Saints' Blackheath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints' Blackheath |
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All Saints' Blackheath
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| Location | London, SE3 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | https://www.allsaintsblackheath.org/ |
| History | |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Dedicated | 1858 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Architect(s) | Benjamin Ferrey |
| Years built | 1867 (present) |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Southwark |
All Saints' Blackheath is a Church of England church located in Blackheath, London. It is a very important building, listed as Grade II. This means it has special historical or architectural value. The church first opened its doors in November 1858. It was designed by a famous architect named Benjamin Ferrey.
Contents
History of All Saints' Church
For a long time, people living in Blackheath had to travel to nearby towns like Greenwich or Lewisham to go to church. But in 1854, the people of Blackheath decided they wanted their own church.
- In 1857, everyone agreed to build a new church.
- A kind person, William Legge, 5th Earl of Dartmouth, gave the land for the church.
- He also helped start the building work on October 26, 1857.
- On November 1, 1858, a special church leader, the Bishop of London, officially opened the church. This is called consecration.
- The church was designed by architect Benjamin Ferrey. Building continued until 1867.
From 1867 to 1905, All Saints' Church was part of the Diocese of Rochester. Today, it belongs to the Diocese of Southwark.
Music and Famous Visitors
All Saints' Church has a rich musical history.
- Famous musicians like Sir Arthur Sullivan and Gustav Holst brought their choirs to perform here.
- An opera composer named Alfred Cellier was the church's organist from 1862 to 1866. He played an organ built in 1859 by Hill & Son. This organ was later made even bigger.
War Memorial and Special Status
Inside the church, there is a special screen. It remembers local people who died in World War I. This memorial was first shown in April 1920.
In August 1954, All Saints' Church was officially given its Grade II listed building status. This protects it as an important historical building.
Terry Waite's Connection
Terry Waite is a famous humanitarian. He was held hostage in Lebanon for several years, from 1987 to 1991. Terry Waite used to live in Blackheath and worked at All Saints' Church. While he was held captive, the church's vicar, Rev Henry Burgin, kept a candle lit in the church. This was a symbol of hope for Terry Waite's safe return.
Church Design and Architecture
Benjamin Ferrey designed the church using a type of stone called Kentish ragstone. The church also has a tall, pointed tower called a spire on one corner.
- In 1890, extra rooms called vestries were added.
- In 1899, a porch was built at the entrance.
- Both these additions were designed by architect Arthur Blomfield.
A famous expert on buildings, Nikolaus Pevsner, described the church as "Puginian." He also noted how perfectly it fits into the open space of the heath. He said it stands "Surrounded on all sides by grass, it stands as if it were a model."
Buildings Connected to the Church
All Saints' Church also has connections to other important buildings in the area.
- A school called the National School of Industry started in Blackheath Vale in 1825.
- In 1867, All Saints' parish took over this school. It became All Saints' Girls School.
- The school moved to a new place in Blackheath Vale in 1878.
- In 1939, it became a school for both boys and girls, called All Saints' C of E Primary School.
In 1924, the church asked an architect named Charles Canning Winmill to design a new building. This building would be called All Saints' Parish Hall. It was built on land given by the 6th Earl of Dartmouth. The Parish Hall opened in 1928 and is used for many church and community events.
