St Dionis, Parsons Green facts for kids
St. Dionis, Parsons Green is a beautiful Anglican church located in Parsons Green, Fulham, London. It is considered a very important building and is listed as a Grade II listed site. This means it has special historical or architectural value.
What is the History of St. Dionis Church?
The church building you see today was finished in 1886. It was designed by a famous architect named Ewan Christian. He designed it in a style called Perpendicular Gothic. This style is known for its tall windows and detailed stone work.
Before this church was built, there was an older building from 1876 right next to it. That older building then became the church's Mission Hall.
Why is it Called St. Dionis?
The church got its name from a much older church in the City of London called St Dionis Backchurch. That original church was very old, dating back to medieval times. It was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London by the famous architect Christopher Wren.
However, the old St. Dionis Backchurch was later found to be unsafe and was taken down in 1878. The money from selling the land where the old church stood was used to pay for the new St. Dionis church in Parsons Green. Some parts of the old church, like its font (a basin for baptisms) and pulpit (a raised stand for sermons), were moved to the new church.
The name "Dionis" might sound a bit unusual! It's actually a shorter way of saying "Denis." The church is named after Saint Denis, who was a very important saint in France. He was known for trying to spread Christianity in Paris and was beheaded in the 3rd century.
What About the Vicarage?
Next to the church, on the left side, you can see the St Dionis Vicarage. This is the house where the vicar (the church's priest) lives. It was built a bit later than the church, between 1898 and 1899.
