St Peter's Church, Walworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Peter's Church |
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St Peter's Nave & Chancel
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| Location | Southwark, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Liberal Anglo-Catholic |
| Website | www.stpeterswalworth.org |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John Soane HMDW Architects |
| Years built | 1823–1825 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Anglican Diocese of Southwark |
St Peter's Church is a special Anglican church located in Walworth, London. It was built a long time ago, between 1823 and 1825. This church was the very first one designed by a famous architect named Sir John Soane. It was part of a big building project after the Napoleonic wars. Today, St Peter's Church is known as the best-preserved church designed by Soane.
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A Look at St Peter's Church History
This church is a type called a "Commissioners' church." This means it received money from the government to help pay for its construction. The church cost about £18,592 to build back then. A large part of this money, £9,354, came from the Church Building Commission. St Peter's Church is considered a very important building, listed as Grade I.
How the Church Was Built
St Peter's Church looks similar to two other churches designed by the same architect. It uses special bricks called London stock bricks with stone decorations. You can see Soane's unique style in its tall, arched windows. The front of the church has a special design that avoids common building problems.
Some changes were made to the church over time. The east end was updated in 1888. After being damaged during World War II, it was largely rebuilt in 1953. The inside of the church was also rearranged in 1982. St Peter's has always kept its traditional style of worship and care for the community.
The Church During World War II
During WW2, the church's basement, called the crypt, was used as a safe place during air raids. The church leader at the time estimated that 600 to 900 people hid there every night. Sadly, the church was badly hit by German bombs on October 29, 1940. More than 30 people sheltering in the crypt died right away, and 67 eventually passed away. About 100 more people were hurt.
The church was repaired by an architect named Thomas F. Ford. It was officially reopened on July 11, 1953, by the Bishop of Southwark.
The Church Organ and Bells
The church has a large organ built in 1949 by Harrison & Harrison. It was moved to St Peter's in 2009. Before that, the church had an older organ from 1824. This old organ survived the bombing and was repaired in 1953.
St Peter's also has a set of eight bells. All these bells were made in 1971 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.
The Churchyard as a Public Garden
The churchyard, where people used to be buried, stopped being used for burials in 1853. In 1895, a kind church leader named Canon John Horsley helped turn it into a public garden. The Goldsmiths' Company paid for this project. The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association helped design it with grass and places to sit.
St Peter's Church Today
Today, St Peter's is a busy Anglican church that serves the people of East Walworth. It has strong connections with St Peter's CofE Primary School and nursery. The church's leader is even the head of the school's governors. A happy Sunday service, called the Parish Mass, takes place at 10:30 AM.
In 2022, the street in front of the church, Liverpool Grove, was changed. Now, only people can walk there, making it safer and nicer.
Restoring the Church for the Community
The church's crypt (basement) has been updated recently. It is now home to a project called 'InSpire'. This space offers many things for the local community. It has a digital arts and media center, a computer room, a daycare, and spaces for meetings and performances. There is also a café in the crypt that is open to everyone. HMDW Architects designed this project and continue to look after the building.
The main area where people worship has also been restored. This included work on the reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar) and adding new lights.
Gallery
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Crypt Hall directly below the Nave
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Cafe in the crypt
See also
