Chelsea Old Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chelsea Old Church |
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| Location | Old Church Street and Cheyne Walk, London |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Traditional (Book of Common Prayer) |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Years built | 12th century |
| Specifications | |
| Number of towers | One |
| Bells | 8 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of London |
Chelsea Old Church, also known as All Saints, is a historic Anglican church. It is located on Old Church Street in Chelsea, London, England. The church is close to Albert Bridge.
This church serves a local area within the Diocese of London. It is part of the Church of England. The building is a Grade I listed site, meaning it is very important historically. Inside, there is space for about 400 people to sit.
You can find a special plaque inside for the famous author Henry James. He lived nearby and passed away in 1916. To the west of the church, there is a small public garden. This garden features a sculpture created by Sir Jacob Epstein.
Contents
History of Chelsea Old Church
Early Beginnings
Chelsea Old Church has a long history, dating back to 1157. It was once the main church for the village of Chelsea. Over time, London grew and surrounded Chelsea.
The original church building had a chancel (the area around the altar) from the 13th century. It also had chapels on its north and south sides, added around 1325. The main part of the church, called the nave, and its tower were built in 1670.
Sir Thomas More's Chapel
The chapels in the church were once privately owned. The chapel on the north side was known as the Lawrence Chapel. It belonged to the Lord of the Manor of Chelsea.
The chapel on the south side was rebuilt in 1528. This became the private chapel of Sir Thomas More. He was a very important lawyer and statesman. You can see the date 1528 on one of the pillars near the chancel. These pillars were possibly designed by Hans Holbein the Younger. Outside the church, facing the river, there is a statue of Sir Thomas More. It was made by Leslie Cubitt Bevis.
Notable Features from the 17th Century
Inside the church, there is a memorial from 1669 for Lady Jane Cheyne. This beautiful memorial was designed by the son of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It was created by Gian Lorenzo's favorite sculptor, Antonio Raggi.
Chelsea Old Church is special because it is the only church in London with chained books. These books were a gift from Sir Hans Sloane. He was a famous doctor and collector from Ireland. He also served in the British Parliament.
The collection includes a rare "Vinegar Bible" from 1717. This Bible has a famous printing mistake. There are also two volumes of Foxe's Book of Martyrs from 1684. Other books include a 1723 Book of Common Prayer and The Books of Homilies from 1683.
The Church in Art
In the 19th century, the church was painted white. It appeared in several paintings by famous artists. These include James McNeill Whistler and J. M. W. Turner. In their paintings, the church often appears as a distant tower. For example, it is in the background of Whistler's Nocturne: Blue and Gold - Old Battersea Bridge. This painting was created between 1872 and 1875.
World War II Damage
During the Blitz in World War II, Chelsea Old Church was badly damaged. On April 14, 1941, a parachute mine hit the church. Most of the church and its tower were destroyed.
The Thomas More Chapel was the least affected part. For nine years after the bombing, church services were held in the nearby Cheyne Hospital.
Restoration and Rebuilding Efforts
After the war, the church began to be restored. In 1950, the More Chapel was reopened. The chancel and Lawrence Chapel followed in May 1954. Architect Walter Godfrey led this restoration work.
The church was officially listed as Grade I on June 24, 1954. In May 1958, the entire church was fully restored. The Bishop of London reconsecrated it. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was present at this special event.
Today, the church looks much like it did before World War II. Many of the old tombs and monuments inside were carefully put back together. It was almost like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Some original stained glass from the 16th century was also saved.
In 1978, a writer named Jack Leslau suggested a theory. He thought that one of the Princes in the Tower might have survived. He believed Edward V of England could be buried at Chelsea Old Church. This idea is based on his interpretation of a painting by Hans Holbein the Younger. However, no major universities or historical groups support this theory.
The social reformer The Baroness Courtney of Penwith is also buried at the church. In 2000, the Museum of London Archaeological Services conducted an archaeological dig at the church cemetery.
Burials at Chelsea Old Church
Many notable people have been buried at Chelsea Old Church over the centuries. Some of them include:
- Jane Dudley, Duchess of Northumberland (died 1555)
- John Braye, 2nd Baron Braye (died 1557)
- The 10th Baron Dacre (died 1594)
- Anne, Baroness Dacre (died 1595)
- Katherine Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon (died 1620)
- Sir Robert Stanley (died 1632)
- Sir Hans Sloane (died 1753)
- Catherine Courtney, Baroness Courtney of Penwith (died 1929)
Images for kids
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Chelsea Old Church
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Chelsea Old Church
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Chelsea Old Church
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Chelsea Old Church
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Memorial to author Henry James at Chelsea Old Church, London
External links
- List of the Rectors and Incumbents - British History Online
