St Paul's, Deptford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Paul's, Deptford |
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The west face of the Church of Saint Paul, Deptford
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| Location | Deptford, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Anglo-Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Archer |
| Years built | 1712–1730 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Southwark |
St Paul's, Deptford, is a beautiful and important church in London. It is known for its amazing Baroque style. Many people consider it one of the most impressive churches built in the 1700s in London.
The church was designed by a skilled architect named Thomas Archer. It was built between 1712 and 1730. At that time, Deptford was a town in Kent, but today it is part of South East London. St Paul's was one of only 12 churches actually built out of a plan for 50 new churches.
Contents
Discovering the History of St Paul's
Why Was St Paul's Church Built?
In the early 1700s, Deptford was growing fast. Many people living there were skilled workers. Some of them were choosing not to attend the main Anglican church. To encourage people to return, a group called the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches decided to build a large new church.
They chose Thomas Archer, who was also a member of the commission, to design it. Archer was a famous architect. He also designed St John's Smith Square and Birmingham Cathedral.
How St Paul's Was Constructed
Archer started designing the church almost right away. He used his usual Roman Baroque style. Most of the building and its decorations were finished by 1720. However, work continued until the church was officially opened in 1730. The church was built by Edward Strong the Younger.
St Paul's in the 1900s
In the 1970s, a room in the church basement, called 'The Crypt', became a popular music spot. It was used as a reggae club. By the mid-1980s, it hosted all-night concerts and club nights for psychedelic rock music. Even bands like Conflict played there sometimes.
In May 2000, a fire caused damage to the church. The main damage was at the east end. Many of the beautiful stained glass windows were lost. The wooden parts and decorations were badly burned. Smoke also blackened the entire inside of the church, including the organ.
Exploring the Architecture and Design
St Paul's Church is built from a type of stone called Portland Stone. Like many churches from that time, it sits on a raised basement. This means you need to climb stairs to get inside.
Unique Features of the Exterior
One of the most special parts of the building is its round tower with a tall steeple. Around this tower is a curved entrance area with four huge columns. Large, flat columns called pilasters decorate the church walls. The steeple is built into the church wall, matching the curved shape at the east end. This steeple was added later, so the west end of the church needed extra support.
The main part of the church is almost square. Its roof is set across the building. There are also two extra side entrances. Each has a grand staircase, like you might see on a large country house. The east wall has a section that sticks out, called an apse.
Inside St Paul's Church
Inside, the church has two side aisles. These are separated by two very tall Corinthian columns. These columns continue as attached columns on the other walls. There are also side balconies supported by these large columns. Above the main entrance, there is a special balcony for the organ.
The east window is a Venetian window, but it curves to follow the shape of the apse. This curved design is a very Baroque style. It is decorated with smaller Tuscan columns.
The Church Bells
The tower holds three bells. They were originally meant for a type of bell ringing called "change ringing." However, they can no longer be rung. All three bells were made by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The largest bell is the oldest, cast in 1772.
