Holy Trinity Church, Dalston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church, Dalston |
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Holy Trinity Church
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| 51°32′39.6″N 0°4′23.3″W / 51.544333°N 0.073139°W | |
| Location | London Borough of Hackney |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Liberal Catholic |
| Website | Holy Trinity Church website |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Ewan Christian |
| Years built | 1879 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Hackney |
| Diocese | Diocese of London |
Holy Trinity Church, Dalston is a special church in London. It is located in Beechwood Road in the London Borough of Hackney. This church is part of the Church of England. It is also known by a fun nickname: the Clowns’ Church.
The church is part of a larger parish. This parish includes Holy Trinity with St Philip Dalston and All Saints Church, Haggerston. Another church, St Philip, was badly damaged during World War II. It was later taken down between 1947 and 1952.
From 1998 to 2014, a vicar named Rose Hudson-Wilkin led the church. She also had important roles in the House of Commons. She was the chaplain to the Speaker. She also served as a priest at Westminster Abbey and as a chaplain to the Queen.
Contents
Building History and Style
Holy Trinity Church was designed by Ewan Christian. He was a famous architect who built and restored many churches. He also designed the National Portrait Gallery in London.
When Was the Church Built?
Most of the church was built between 1878 and 1879. The money for its construction came from selling another church. This church was called St Martin Outwich, located in the City of London.
What Makes the Design Special?
Holy Trinity Church is a Grade II-listed building. This means it is an important historical building. It received this special status in 1975. People admired its architect, Ewan Christian. They also liked its impressive High Victorian style. This style shows influences from other European countries.
The church is built with red bricks. It has a roof made of slate. Its design follows the Early English style. Inside the church, there is a screen. This screen came from St Philip, Dalston. That church was damaged by bombs in December 1940. The church also has a beautiful east window. It was added after the war and features glass by A. F. Erridge.
The Clowns' Church
Holy Trinity is famous as the Clowns’ Church. This is because of a special event held there every year.
What is the Clowns' Service?
An annual service is held on the first Sunday in February. It honors Joseph Grimaldi, a famous clown. It also remembers clowns who have passed away. This service was first started in 1946 or 1947. It began at St James's Episcopal Chapel. Joseph Grimaldi is buried near there, in what is now Joseph Grimaldi Park.
The service moved to Holy Trinity in 1959. This happened after St James's Chapel was no longer used as a church. Clowns attend the service in their full costumes. After the service, they usually put on a show for everyone.
Clowns Gallery-Museum
The vestry of Holy Trinity Church is home to the Clowns Gallery-Museum. A vestry is a room in a church used for changing robes. This museum has interesting items related to clowns. It also includes the unique Clown Egg Register.
External Sources
- Clowns’ Service in pictures
