The Parish Church of St Mary, Hanwell

What secrets lie beneath our feet? We stand before The Parish Church of St Mary, Hanwell, a structure steeped in history. Its presence dates back to at least the 12th century. The church we see today, with its distinctive spire visible for miles, is actually a Victorian masterpiece. Completed in 1842, The Parish Church of St Mary, Hanwell was designed by the renowned architect George Gilbert Scott. He later admitted to finding the early version of the church “a mass of horrors,” particularly due to its lack of a chancel. Thankfully, a chancel and additional vestry were added in 1898. Stepping inside The Parish Church of St Mary, Hanwell, you’ll be greeted by stunning stained-glass lancet windows. Their vivid, almost jarringly bright colours depict key biblical scenes: the Nativity, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. These windows are particularly noteworthy for their early use of such bold and vibrant hues. It’s a testament to the evolving artistic styles of the time. The church also houses a poignant reminder of a maritime tragedy. A bronze bust commemorates the Rev. Alec Field, a missionary who met an untimely end on the steamship Falaba in 1915. The ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I. This event serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of global conflicts, even on peaceful places of worship like this one. The Parish Church of St Mary, Hanwell isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a vessel of history, filled with stories that echo through the ages. It reminds us that even in a bustling city like London, pockets of the past endure, offering glimpses into bygone eras.