Could these walls speak, what tales St Saviour’s Parish Church could tell. This Anglo-Catholic church stands proudly in Pimlico, a testament to faith and architectural ambition. Built in the 1860s, St Saviour’s emerged from Thomas Cubitt’s vision for the area. He acted on behalf of the Marquess of Westminster.
Designed by Thomas Cundy, St Saviour’s was built in the Gothic style. Ragstone was used to provide a contrast to the classical stucco of nearby buildings. The church achieved Grade II listed status.
Imagine London in 1863. The foundation stone was laid for St Saviour’s. A year later, in 1864, the church was consecrated. Its spire soared to 170 feet. It briefly held the title of London’s tallest spire. Initially, the interior was quite sparse. Long galleries stretched from the chancel with only a small brass lectern.
Step forward to 1871. A new organ built by Hill & Son was installed in St Saviour’s. Then, in 1882, came a significant transformation. The galleries were removed. Arcade work was added to the sanctuary. The East window was filled with stained glass. Parishioners generously contributed £1,500 for the work. Romaine Walker oversaw these changes. Further stained-glass windows and pictures followed.
Consider the sanctuary. The reredos depicts the Last Supper. Romaine Walker designed it in 1882 and Thomas Earp carved it. The East window showcases Christ in Majesty created by Clayton and Bell around 1880. An oak rood screen was added in 1911.
Now, picture the Lady Chapel. The baldacchino was added in 1913 by Nicholson and Corlette. The side chapel houses the Mission Altar. It originated in the old Mission Hall in Aylesford Street around 1910. The screen above the altar thought to be by Nicholson and Corlette was originally in the Lady Chapel. The font also designed by Romaine Walker received its oak spire in 1885.
Between 1887 and 1912, St Saviour’s saw several new additions. The side chapel was blessed in 1889. The sanctuary was decorated in 1891 and a clock was placed in the tower in 1895.
In 1911, King George V was crowned. St Saviour’s was cleaned and the steeple repaired for £250. Henry Washington, the vicar at this time, is remembered in stained glass, the chancel screen and the oak pulpit.
In 1914, a churchwarden named C. O. Merritt Fox wrote a history of St Saviour’s. He urged people to support the church.
The 1930s brought statues from Oberammergau to St Saviour’s. These included the Madonna and Child, the Sacred Heart and the Stations of the Cross.
In 1999, the south wall was cleaned. Damaged plasterwork was restored. The decorative panels of the chancel ceiling were uncovered. The Lady Chapel was moved to the south chancel-transept. Unwanted pews were removed to create space.
In 2007, the Pimlico Room, parish office and sacristy were renovated. The Pimlico Room was underpinned. Toilets were added. A mezzanine was installed in the sacristy.
Major restorations took place in 2016. A new nave roof was installed. This included polychromatic tiling. The entire building was rewired and relit. The 1870s organ built by William Hill was restored.
St Saviour’s has been associated with notable figures. The first Duke of Westminster funded much of the church. Laurence Olivier’s father was a curate at St Saviour’s. Lord Olivier was a choirboy. Walter Clopton Wingfield, the founder of modern lawn tennis, worshipped here. Sir Compton Mackenzie was married in St Saviour’s.
St Saviour’s church hall has its own story. Lady Diana Spencer worked at the Young England Kindergarten here before marrying Prince Charles. After her death, a tree and bench were placed in her memory.
Today St Saviour’s stands as a testament to enduring faith. Its history is etched in its stones and stained glass. It welcomes all who seek solace and inspiration within its walls.