Chelsea Old Church

Located in Old Church road in Chelsea Embankment.
This Church used to be the Parish Church of the Chelsea Village before it was part of London. The building, as it stood before the war, consisted of the Chancel, dating probably from the 13th century, with Chapels on the North and South (about 1325), and the Nave and Tower (1670). The cupola was removed in 1815, but the weather vane remains.

Both Chapels were private property, that on the North, now known as the Lawrence Chapel, belonging to the Lord of the Manor of Chelsea. The present arch leading from the Chancel is a reproduction of the original 14th century one, which collapsed in 1784 and was only partly restored.

#Chelsea #Chelsea_Old_Church

The 1958 rebuild on original footprint with a small garden surround and exterior that's, well.. notably unremarkable
Here it's all about the reconstructed historic interior.
A meticulous and painstaking restoration of the original salvaged tombs, memorials and remnant fabric including some C16 stained glass panels.
Quite remarkable but perhaps of more interest to ecclesiastical enthusiasts.
The Hans Sloane memorial in the backyard featuring entwined Pythons and a colossal egg merits a peek.
An active community here.

This church is built on land once owned by St Thomas More, there is a statue of him outside. There is a very small rather dark chapel in which More's wife is buried.

Now walked past many times - but not yet been inside. Fascinating history...

Beautiful Anglican Church ⛪️ (also known as the All Saints church)fully restored after 1941 WW2 devastating bombing and reopened 1950. Amazing historic architecture, definitely a must see! 😊🙏🏻

Classic Anglican Matins service every Sunday. This church was rebuilt after World War 2 bombing and reopened with Elizabeth the Queen Mother in attendance in 1958.

Slightly weird place in that it's small, weighed down with much history. The garden was an attractive place to sit in for a quiet hour. The staff were 5 star, very welcoming, and the choral group I heard were even more stars, lifting the worship at the service

Sadly closed when I visited. A well kept church frequented by St Thomas More on the Thames.
A return visit is in order.