St John's Church, Bath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church |
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St John's Church, with parish hall and office
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 St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
Location in Somerset
St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
Location in England
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| 51°22′47″N 2°21′20″W / 51.37982°N 2.35558°W | |
| Location | Bath |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St John the Evangelist |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles Francis Hansom |
| Style | Victorian architecture |
| Groundbreaking | 1861 |
| Completed | 1863, spire: 1867 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 222 feet (68 m) |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | St Oliver Plunkett |
| Metropolis | Archdiocese of Birmingham |
| Diocese | Diocese of Clifton |
| Province | Ecclesiastical province of Birmingham |
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church is a beautiful church found on South Parade in the city of Bath, England. It's in the south-east part of the city center. This area was once known as the Ham District, where a famous architect named John Wood the Elder had big plans for a "Forum" long ago.
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Architecture and Design
The church has a tall, decorative spire built in the Gothic style. This spire stands out against the city's skyline. Some people, like the architectural writer Nikolaus Pevsner, thought it looked a bit out of place. However, others, like Christopher Martin, have praised its beautiful inside. Martin noted its colorful marble, lovely screen, and bright white tabernacle. He also mentioned the delicate communion rails and special chapels.
Who Designed the Church?
The church was designed by Charles Francis Hansom. He was the brother of J. A. Hansom, who invented the famous Hansom cab. Charles Hansom started building the church in 1861, and it was finished in 1863. The tall spire was added later in 1867.
Charles and his son, Edward Joseph Hansom, were known as very good Roman Catholic architects. They even worked on Woodchester Mansion after another famous architect, A. W. N. Pugin, left the project. The walls of St. John's Church are made from local Bath stone. The church's spire is 222-foot (68 m) tall. Edward Joseph Hansom designed the baptistery, a special area for baptisms, in 1871. It holds relics of Saint Justina of Padua.
The Hansom brothers thought this church was one of their best designs.
History of the Church
The Benedictine monks from Downside Abbey first built this church. They also built other buildings nearby to house a small group of priests. In 1932, the church was given to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton.
During World War II, in 1942, the church was hit by bombs during the Bath Blitz. Four people sadly died, and the south side of the church was destroyed. However, it was rebuilt in the same Gothic style. A Latin message inside the church remembers this event.
Today, the church's steeple is home to a pair of peregrine falcons. These amazing birds nest there, and you can even watch them on a special webcam!
The Parish Community
St. John's Church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton. It is one of four Catholic churches in the city of Bath. The church has priests who serve the community. One priest even celebrates Mass in Polish every Sunday for the local Polish community. The main priest, Father Christopher Whitehead, has been serving the church for many years.
