St Saviour's, Pimlico facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Saviour's, Pimlico
Location	St George's Square, City of Westminster, London
Country	England, United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	Anglo-Catholic
Website	www.stsp.org.uk
Architecture
Architect(s)	Thomas Cundy (Junior)
Style	Gothic
Years built	1865
Administration
Parish	St Saviour, Pimlico
Deanery	Westminster (St Margaret)
Archdeaconry	Charing Cross
Episcopal area	Two Cities
Diocese	London

St Saviour's is a special church in Pimlico, London, England. It's located at the top of St George's Square. This church was built in the 1860s. It was part of a big building project by Thomas Cubitt for the Marquess of Westminster. The church was designed by Thomas Cundy. He also designed another nearby church, St Gabriel's Pimlico. St Saviour's was built in the Gothic style. It uses rough stone to look different from the smooth buildings around it. This church is a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building.

The History of St Saviour's Church

Building the Church

The first stone of St Saviour's Church was placed on June 16, 1863. The church was officially opened on July 16, 1864. Its tall spire reached 170 feet (about 51.8 meters) high. At that time, it was one of the tallest spires in London. When it first opened, the inside of the church looked quite plain. It had two long balconies and no special screen or pulpit. There was only a small brass stand for reading.

In 1871, a new organ was installed by Hill & Son. In 1882, the church had a major makeover. This was called "the beautifying of the church." The balconies were removed. New decorations were added to the sanctuary area. The large window at the east end was filled with beautiful stained glass. This work was possible because people in the church gave money. Romaine Walker, the son of the first Vicar, oversaw the work. More stained glass windows were added after 1882. Pictures were also placed inside the church.

Special Areas in the Church

The reredos is a decorated screen behind the altar. It shows a picture of the Last Supper. Romaine Walker designed it in 1882. It was carved by Thomas Earp. The East window, also designed by Romaine Walker, shows Jesus as a king. It was made by Clayton and Bell around 1880. A wooden screen, called a rood screen, was added in 1911.

The Lady Chapel is a smaller chapel. A special canopy, called a baldacchino, was added here in 1913. It was designed by Nicholson and Corlette.

The side chapel has an altar called the Mission Altar. This altar was originally in an old Mission Hall. Above this altar is a screen. People believe this screen was also designed by Nicholson and Corlette.

The font is a basin used for baptisms. It was designed by Romaine Walker. A wooden spire was added to the font in 1885.

Changes Around 1900

Between 1887 and 1912, many new things were added to the church. The side chapel was officially blessed in 1889. The sanctuary area was decorated in 1891. A clock was placed in the church tower in 1895. In 1911, the church was cleaned. The steeple was also repaired. This cost £250. Henry Washington was the vicar during this busy time. Two stained glass windows and the wooden pulpit remember his work.

In 1914, a churchwarden named C. O. Merritt Fox wrote a book about St Saviour's. He wrote that people today owe a lot to those who came before. These people helped build churches and support the community. He encouraged everyone to continue supporting the church. In the 1930s, statues of the Madonna and Child, the Sacred Heart, and the Stations of the Cross were brought from Oberammergau and added to the church.

Recent Renovations (1990s to Today)

In 1999, the south wall of the church was cleaned and fixed. Damaged plaster was repaired. The church was also completely repainted. During this work, beautiful designs on the chancel ceiling were found. These designs were cleaned and restored. The lady chapel was moved back to its original spot. Unwanted pews were removed from the nave. This made the church feel more open and spacious.

In 2007, the Pimlico Room, parish office, and sacristy were updated. The Pimlico Room had sinking floors, which were fixed. Toilets were added. A new level was built in the sacristy to create more space. In 2016, major restoration work began. This included a new roof for the nave. The roof has colorful tiles. The entire building was rewired and new lights were installed. The organ from the 1870s was also restored. St Saviour's is now open most days of the week. It is a welcoming place for everyone.

Famous People Connected to St Saviour's

Throughout its history, St Saviour's has been linked to several well-known people. The first Duke of Westminster paid for the church to be built. George Cubitt, whose family built much of Pimlico, was also involved. More recently, the 6th Duke of Westminster helped with the church's restoration.

Laurence Olivier, a very famous actor, had a father who was a curate at St Saviour's. Laurence Olivier himself was a choirboy and helped at the altar. Walter Clopton Wingfield, who helped create modern lawn tennis, regularly attended the church. The writer Sir Compton Mackenzie was married in St Saviour's Church.

Church Hall

St Saviour's church hall is right next to the church. The hall is used almost every day. It is home to the Young England Kindergarten. Lady Diana Spencer worked at this kindergarten before she married the Prince of Wales. After her death, a tree was planted and a bench was placed in her memory near the hall.

Gallery

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  The main part of the church, called the Nave

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  The Sanctuary, near the altar

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  The beautifully painted ceiling