The crisp air of a London autumn morning sets the scene for our exploration of St Hugh’s Church. St Hugh’s, a modern Anglican church in West Bermondsey, stands as a testament to community resilience and faith.
This church, nestled between Guy’s Hospital and the bustling streets of Bermondsey, boasts a unique story. Originally part of the Charterhouse-in-Southwark settlement, it was established in 1885 to serve the local community. The church closed in 2011 to make way for a new housing development, leaving its future uncertain. But St Hugh’s was reborn.
A redevelopment project brought about a new St Hugh’s Church, designed by local architect Michael Trentham. This time, the church is integrated into a mixed-tenure housing scheme, known as the Murano Building, making it even more visible to passersby. The new building still retains some of the charm of its predecessor, including stained glass windows, a statue of St Hugh of Lincoln, and the distinctive interfaith paintings by artist Adam Boulter. The old Charterhouse-in-Southwark charity, which had established the original church, donated the chairs for the new building, signifying the enduring connection between the two.
This community space, a symbol of resilience and renewal, is named the Rainbow Room, a tribute to the site’s former life as the Rainbow Building. Today, St Hugh’s Church stands as a vibrant place of worship and community gathering, a testament to the enduring spirit of faith in the heart of Bermondsey.