A ship in the heart of Kilburn. That’s the Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle. Built in 1863 as a temporary church it became a permanent fixture. Initially known as St James Church it was constructed of galvanised corrugated iron. It was meant to be replaced by a stone church but that never happened.
The Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle’s story is one of adaptation and resilience. Intended as a temporary structure it served various purposes. It was used as a church a lecture hall and even a concert venue. During World War II it miraculously survived the Blitz. It became a resting place for air raid wardens and fire crews. They held regular training sessions there.
In 1949 the Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle underwent a remarkable transformation. The cadets transformed the tabernacle into a unique space. They used parts of two decommissioned double-decker buses. The interior now resembled a Ton-class minesweeper battleship. This transformation made the Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle a truly unique training ground.
The Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle’s interior is full of surprises. There are cabins port holes and even a ship’s wheel. Two guns were added in the 1960s. The largest is a Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun. Many of the items were salvaged from Portsmouth. And hidden behind a cabin door is a chapel. Its plastic stained-glass windows and altar were salvaged from the set of the 1964 film Becket. A scale model of the tabernacle adds to the building’s unique charm.
Even a ship’s cat Tiff calls the Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle home. She arrived in 2014 a stray but is now well cared for.
The Willesden and St Marylebone Sea Cadets TS Bicester the Kilburn Tin Tabernacle is a Grade II listed building. It’s currently undergoing plans for refurbishment. It will continue to serve the Kilburn community. It will host events and exhibitions for artists and musicians. This remarkable building stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Kilburn. It’s a reminder of the resilience of community and its capacity to adapt and transform.