Did Our Ladye Star of the Sea always grace this hilltop with its magnificent presence? No. Our journey begins much earlier in 1793 with a modest Roman Catholic chapel at Park Vista. This chapel, St. Mary’s, was a sanctuary for Catholic seamen from the nearby Royal Hospital, many hailing from Ireland and even the distant shores of Brazil and India. However, as the congregation grew, so did the need for a larger, grander place of worship. This led to the construction of Our Ladye Star of the Sea between 1846 and 1851. This stunning example of Decorated Gothic architecture, designed by William Wardell, quickly became a landmark with its impressive spire reaching for the heavens. Inside, the skilled hands of Augustus Pugin, a renowned architect and designer, adorned the church with exquisite details. You can see his touch in the stained glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors, the intricately carved rood screen, and the tomb chest of Canon Richard North, a driving force behind the church’s creation. Our Ladye Star of the Sea stands as a testament to the enduring faith and contributions of the Catholic community in Greenwich.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service