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St Mary Magdalene, Paddington facts for kids

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Not to be confused with St Mary on Paddington Green Church.
St Mary Magdalene, Paddington (2)
St Mary Magdalene

St Mary Magdalene, Paddington is a beautiful old church in London. It is a special building, listed as Grade I, which means it's very important. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. You can find it on Rowington Close.

The church's story began in 1865 when its local area was created. Building work started in 1867. The church was mostly finished by 1872. However, a fire sadly destroyed the new roof. Because of this, the first church service couldn't happen until July 22, 1873. This day is known as St Mary Magdalene's Day. The church was fully ready and officially opened on October 21, 1878, after all the inside decorations were complete.

Meet the Creators

The famous architect George Edmund Street designed St Mary Magdalene. Many people think this church is his best work ever! Inside, you can see amazing art from different artists.

Stunning Artworks

  • Stained Glass: Look for the beautiful coloured glass windows made by Henry Holiday.
  • Mosaics: There are sparkling mosaics created by Salviati. Mosaics are pictures made from tiny pieces of coloured glass or stone.
  • Sculptures: You'll find impressive sculptures by Thomas Earp.
  • Crypt Chapel: A special chapel underground was added later by Ninian Comper.
  • War Memorial: There's also a memorial honouring soldiers, designed by Martin Travers.

The Painted Ceiling

The ceiling in the main part of the church, called the nave, is painted with wonderful designs. Daniel Bell created this artwork. In 2018 and 2019, the ceiling was carefully cleaned and fixed. This was possible thanks to money from the Lottery Heritage Fund. Also, with help from the Paddington Development Trust, a new part was built. This new section has extra rooms and facilities for the local community to use.

Famous Connections

St Mary Magdalene church has inspired many people and even appeared in movies!

Inspiration for Artists

  • The composer John Ireland is thought to have been inspired by this church. It helped him become an Anglo-Catholic, which is a type of Anglican Christian.
  • The novelist Barbara Pym attended services here in the early 1970s. She lived nearby at the time.
  • The crime writer P. D. James might have used this church as a model. One of the places in her novel A Taste for Death is thought to be based on St Mary Magdalene.

On the Big Screen

The church and the streets around it have been used as filming locations:

  • In 1968, scenes for the movie Secret Ceremony were filmed here. This movie starred Elizabeth Taylor.
  • Parts of the 2012 movie Les Misérables were also filmed inside the church.

Images for kids

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, viewed from the south

    St Mary Magdalene

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, The War Memorial Calvary

    War Memorial by Martin Travers

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, View east down the nave 2

    The nave with sculptures by Thomas Earp

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, chapel, organ with panels open

    Chapel of St Sepulchre, organ

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, stained glass window, south wall

    Stained glass by Henry Holiday

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, chancel (spherical projection)

    Chancel

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, nave ceiling, detail 3

    Nave ceiling by Daniel Bell

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, Nave, mosaic of Last Supper

    Salviati mosaic

  • St Mary Magdalene, Paddington, chapel screen

    Chapel of St Sepulchre by Sir Ninian Comper

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