St Mary's, Bourne Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's, Bourne Street |
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The interior of St Mary's, looking north-east toward the altar
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| 51°29′30.52″N 0°9′16.05″W / 51.4918111°N 0.1544583°W | |
| Location | 30 Bourne Street, London, SW1W 8JJ |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Anglo-Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | RJ Withers |
| Style | Early English Period |
| Years built | 1874 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Mary the Virgin Pimlico |
| Diocese | London |
St Mary's, Bourne Street is an Anglican church in London. It is located near Sloane Square. The church was built in 1874. It was designed to help people living in the crowded areas of Pimlico.
History and Building Style
In the 1800s, London was growing fast. New areas like Belgravia and Pimlico were being built. Many new churches were also needed. The London Underground was also being built. This meant many houses were knocked down.
St Mary's was built in 1874. It was placed right over the path of the District line underground railway. The church was built in a style called Early English. It used red bricks that were made by machines.
The architect, RJ Withers, designed the church. He was known for building "good, cheap brick churches." St Mary's was first meant to be a church for servants. Because it was built cheaply, it has simple features. These include low aisles without windows. It also has a plain slate roof with one bell. After damage in World War II, extra supports were added.
When the church opened in 1874, the Church Times newspaper described its inside. It said the church had a large main area (nave) that ended in a rounded space (chancel). There were also two side aisles. The roof of the main area was very high. It was decorated with many colours.
The newspaper also mentioned the altar. This is the table used for services. It was made of cedar wood and decorated with gold. The report said the church looked "solid and substantial." It was a great example of a church that didn't cost too much. The main building cost about £4,500.
The paintings on the walls were added later. They were done by Nathaniel Westlake between 1895 and 1896. These paintings show figures like Eve, Ruth, and David. There are also paintings of Adam, Noah, and Moses. In a small chapel, a new rose window was put in after the war. It was designed by Margaret Aldrich Rope. A window showing St George was added in 1897. It is hidden behind the organ.
Today at St Mary's
Church services at St Mary's use traditional music. This includes old chants and music from different time periods. They also use the language from the Book of Common Prayer. The services follow traditional customs.
The church has a team of musicians. Richard Pinel leads the music as the Director. Richard Hills is the Organist.
St Mary's is part of the Catholic tradition within the Church of England. This means it has a style of worship that is similar to Roman Catholic churches.
