Holy Rood Church, Watford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Rood Church |
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| 51°39′17″N 0°23′55″W / 51.6548°N 0.3986°W | |
| OS grid reference | TQ1087796327 |
| Location | Watford |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | RCDoW.org.uk/Watford |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | Feast of the Cross |
| Consecrated | 5 July 1900 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 12 September 1980 |
| Architect(s) | John Francis Bentley |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 29 August 1889 |
| Completed | 16 September 1890 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Watford |
| Archdiocese | Westminster |
| Province | Westminster |
Holy Rood Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church located in Watford, Hertfordshire, England. It was built between 1889 and 1890. The church stands on the corner of Market Street and Exchange Road. It was designed by John Francis Bentley, who also created the famous Westminster Cathedral. Holy Rood Church is a very important building, recognized as a Grade I listed building. It is even mentioned in England's Thousand Best Churches by Simon Jenkins, who called it "a true town church."
Contents
History of Holy Rood Church
Starting the Church
In 1863, a priest named Father George Bampfield came to Watford. He began holding Catholic Mass services in a rented building. Later that year, he bought some land. He had a small hut built there, which became the first chapel for the local Catholic community.
By 1882, more and more Catholics were living in Watford. This meant a bigger church was needed. Father Bampfield bought a new piece of land on Water Lane. Another, larger chapel was built there. This new chapel opened in 1883. It was used until the current Holy Rood Church was finished.
Building the Church
The first stone for Holy Rood Church was laid on August 29, 1889. A lot of the money for building the church came from Stephen Taprell Holland. He owned a building company called Holland & Sons. Mr. Holland hired John Francis Bentley to design the church.
The church officially opened on September 16, 1890. At this time, parts like the chancel (the area around the altar), the nave (where people sit), the transepts (the arms of the cross-shaped church), and the south aisle were finished. More sections were added later. Work continued to build the tower, the Holy Ghost chapel, the north aisle, and the baptistry (where baptisms happen).
On May 7, 1894, Cardinal Herbert Vaughan laid the foundation stone for the tower. The entire church was completed and officially blessed on July 5, 1900, by Bishop Robert Brindle.
Over the years, the church has had repairs. In 1966, some stone needed replacing, and the inside was cleaned. In 1990, more work was done. The flint, stonework, and roof were fixed. The beautiful paintings inside the church were also cleaned.
Church Services
Holy Rood Church is an active Parish church. It holds several Masses each week. On Saturday evening, there is a Mass at 6:00 PM. On Sundays, Masses are held at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM. There is also a special Polish Mass at 2:15 PM on Sundays.
See also
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster
