| There’s a number
of excellent churches in the South West area of London
and beyond.
Not only do these churches supply communities with places
to worship and congregate they also provide a free history
lesson to visitors and a glimpse into an interesting
social history.
The Grade I listed church of St Marys at Addington [map],
Croydon, is medieval in origin and has been extensively
restored by a succession of impressive architects including
Blore and St Aubyn. As a result the fabric is now largely
Victorian. The chancel dates back to 12th century whilst
the central western tower and vestry are Victorian.
Five Archbishops of Canterbury are buried here and are
remembered in many memorials, decorations and windows
throughout the church.
Staying in Croydon visitors should definitely head to St Michael and All Angels with St James [map], Oakfield
Road, which is a large brick church typical of its Victorian
era. With a tall nave, low aisles and a brick-vaulted
interior this is a fine example of FL Pearson’s
design skills.
You’ll find many lavishing fittings inside this
church including the font, pulpit and organ casing.
Stained glass windows reflect the designs of Clayton
& Bell, Lavers & Barraud and Kempe.
You’ll find a unique church at All Saints Church [map],
Carshalton. This large building was built in the 12th
century and is grade II listed. The church stands adjacent
to Carshalton Ponds and a church has stood on this site
since the Saxon period. It was mentioned in the Domesday
Book.
The rebuilt Norman church consisted of a narrow nave
and chancel. A north aisle was added about the middle
of the 12th century, with an arcade of Norman columns,
of which some capitals survive in storage. About 1200,
the chancel was lengthened and a south aisle added,
the arcade capitals of which are still at present visible.
In the 13th century, the west tower arch was widened
and buttresses were added to the South Aisle wall.
In 1893, the church was enlarged on the north side to
the design of Sir Arthur Blomfield and the new chancel
built to the north of the old one, with an arch joining
the two. The northward extension consisted of a new
arcade and nave with a new north aisle beyond. In 1913,
the new west end, with its baptistry was added, presumably
by Sir Reginald Blomfield, in conjunction with Edward
Crutchloe. The subsequent triptych reredos, over the
high altar and the chancel screen, are said to have
been added by G. F. Bodley, who also designed the font.
Finally, a number of works were carried out by Sir Ninian
Comper in conjunction with the Reverend W. R. Corbould.
Shortly after World War II the curved steps before the
screen entrance were added as was the font cover, the
pulpit sounding board and the stairs and Majesta over
the chancel arch.
If you want to comment on our choices or recommend somewhere,
why not use our What
You Recommend form to let us know.
|
