Did the flamboyant spire of Former All Souls church always look quite so out of place? Here, at the quirky bend in Regent Street, stands Former All Souls church. It’s a testament to the vision of John Nash, the favoured architect of King George IV. Former All Souls church was designed as a focal point. It marked the spot where Nash’s grand Regent Street takes an unexpected turn west. This peculiar bend aligns the street with the pre-existing Portland Place. The church was consecrated in 1824. It became a prominent landmark. Originally known simply as All Souls Church, Langham Place, the building has seen significant changes over the years. Nash’s design, with its distinctive circular-spired vestibule, was meant to be an eye-catcher. However, it wasn’t universally admired. Some critics likened the main church building to a factory or warehouse. The church was built of Bath stone. The unusual spire is made up of seventeen concave sides. These are encircled by Corinthian columns, creating a two-tiered effect. Former All Souls church also boasts a rich musical history. Its Hunter organ, housed in a Spanish mahogany case designed by Nash, has filled the church with music for decades. The organ was even dismantled and stored during World War II to protect it from bomb damage. The church itself suffered some damage during the Blitz. A parachute mine exploded nearby in 1940, damaging the ceiling. The church was closed for ten years for repairs. Later renovations in the mid-1970s significantly altered the interior. A basement was excavated to create a church hall. The floor was raised, changing the proportions of the main space. Today, Former All Souls church stands as a converted residential building. It still holds the echoes of its past. Its unique architecture continues to intrigue passersby. It’s a curious blend of grand ambition and unconventional design.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service