St Peter's Church, Gloucester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church |
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| OS grid reference | SO8351218781 |
| Location | Gloucester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | StPetersGloucester.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Peter |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | Gilbert Blount |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1860 |
| Completed | 8 October 1868 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | St Wulstan |
| Diocese | Clifton |
| Province | Birmingham |
St Peter's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Gloucester, England. It was built between 1860 and 1868. The church was designed by Gilbert Blount. You can find it in the city centre, at the corner of London Road and Black Dog Way. It is a very important building, listed as Grade II*. This means it has special historical or architectural value.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
The story of St Peter's Church began in 1788. At that time, a Catholic mission was started in Gloucester. A priest named Fr Gildart led this mission from a house. He received a generous gift of £1,000 from Miss Mary Webb.
Becoming a Parish
In 1789, the mission became a parish. A parish is like a local church community. In 1790, a new priest, Fr John Greenaway, arrived. He worked to build the first chapel for the community. This chapel was dedicated to St Peter ad Vincula. It was built on London Road and officially registered in 1792. Fr Greenaway passed away in 1800 and was buried inside the chapel.
Building a Bigger Church
By 1850, the number of Catholic people in Gloucester was growing. Fr Leonard Calderbank became the parish priest that year. He saw that the old chapel was too small. He started planning for a much larger church. In 1857, Frances Canning gave £1,000 to help build the new church. Other people in the local community also donated money.
Architecture and Design
The old chapel was taken down in 1859. Construction on the new St Peter's Church began in 1860. Gilbert Blount was chosen to design the church. He designed it in the Gothic Revival style. This style brings back the look of medieval Gothic churches.
Church Construction and Features
In 1867, the house next to the church, called the presbytery, was removed. This made space for a longer nave (the main part of the church). It also allowed for a tower and a tall spire to be built. The church was officially opened and blessed on October 8, 1868. A new presbytery was built in 1880.
Inside St Peter's Church
The inside of the church has many beautiful features. There is a special artwork called a triptych by Mayer of Munich. A triptych is a picture with three panels. The colourful windows are made of stained glass. They were created by Hardman & Co. and Clayton and Bell. These companies also painted the original designs in the sanctuary and Lady Chapel. The high altar and its decorated screen (reredos) were designed by Blount. The stone pulpit, which is a raised platform for speaking, was a gift from Miss Canning. You can see carved figures of important saints in the sanctuary. These include Our Lady, St Joseph, St. Gregory, St. Augustine, St. David, and St. Willstan.
Parish Life
St Peter's Church holds several Masses each week. These are church services for the community.
- Saturday: 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 5:30 PM
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton
