St Mary Abbots Church — Attraction in London

St Mary Abbots is a massive church, a Church of England church, and a haven of peace and quiet in busy Kensington High Street. The church is always open. The present church was designed by the architect Sir Gilbert Scott , and was finally completed around 1893 , including the south porch and the cloister. The spire is 278ft ( 84.73m ). The churchyard was closed for burials in 1853. The walls of the Church are built of London stock brick, faced externally with Kentish Ragstone, with Bath stone dressings. The earliest mention of Kensington Church ( as it was first known ) is found in a charter of 1102 , and it is very probable that there was a church here even before that date , since there is a mention of a priest at Cheniston , in the Domesday Book. The name St Mary Abbots derives from it's medieval ownership by Abingdon Abbey. The pulpit ,1697, from the old church , is said to have been the gift of William III. The pulpit is of dark carved oak. The two churchwardens' staves date from 1792 , with their silver crowns topped by the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The brass Eagle lectern is dated 1873. The font by Farmer and Brindley, a large marble bowl with figures of the rivers of Paradise. The tall openwork cover of wrought iron was added in 1881. The south chancel chapel was remodelled as a war memorial chapel in 1920 - 1921 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Within the cloister is a tablet commemorating the fact that it was partly built by Rev.E.C Glyn and his wife in memory of his mother, who died in 1892. The porch at the entrance to the cloister was erected by the widow of James Liddle Fairness in memory of her husband , who died in 1891. ( The fascination of London KENSINGTON by G E Mitton, edited by Sir Walter Besant. Published by Adam & Charles Black. London 1903 ) . The Revd Wilson Carlile was a curate at St Mary Abbots in 1880. He held open air religious meetings in Kensington High Street and Notting Hill. He resigned his curacy to devote his time to slum missions , and went on to found The Church Army . The pipe organ no longer works , a new one would befit this church. There is a splendid memorial of white marble inside the church to Christopher Ironside , OBE , FRBS, the English painter and coin designer. He designed the new British coins for decimalisation in 1971. The memorial was designed by Philip Nathan. The memorial is just up the steps leading to the vestry , on your left. Appreciate the serenity, the architecture and the...

St Mary Abbots Church is a prominent Anglican church located in Kensington, London. It stands as one of the most notable landmarks in the area, known for its striking Victorian Gothic architecture and its historical significance. The church is dedicated to St. Mary, and the name "Abbots" refers to its historical connection to the Abbey of Westminster.

The church was designed by the architect George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1872. Its most distinctive feature is the towering spire, which rises to 279 feet (85 meters), making it one of the tallest structures in Kensington. The interior of St Mary Abbots is equally impressive, with its beautiful stained glass windows, detailed carvings, and an organ that is highly regarded for its sound.

The church serves as a place of worship, but it also plays a central role in the community, hosting a variety of events and activities, including concerts and educational programs. Located near Kensington High Street, it is easily accessible to both locals and tourists.

Whether you're interested in the architectural beauty or the peaceful atmosphere, St Mary Abbots Church is a lovely spot to visit in Kensington, offering both historical depth and spiritual...

Astonishing church. 100% recommend. Free entrance. Brief history: Situated in the Kensington district, the origins of this institution trace back to 1262 when the Benedictines established a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary on this site. Following several renovations, the original church was demolished and the current structure, constructed between 1860 and 1872 in a neo-Gothic style, stands as the tallest in London with a height of 85 meters. It has preserved elements from previous structures, including various funerary monuments, the oldest of which dates to the mid-17th century. Surrounding the church is a cemetery and a primary school established in 1707.

I had the opportunity to visit this location during the Christmas Carol Concert, a charitable event held on December 4, 2019, featuring a stellar performance by Katie Melua. It allowed visitors not only to admire its beauty but also to enjoy its remarkable acoustics and its unique, picturesque cloister extending around the exterior of the church, with direct access to the main door.

Visits are free of charge, and the church is open from 07:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, and 07:00 to...