Did you know that the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Twickenham boasts a history stretching back centuries? It stands proudly on Church Street a short distance from the River Thames. This isn’t just any church. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin is a Grade II* listed building a testament to its architectural and historical significance.
The present church is a relative newcomer compared to its predecessors. An earlier church occupied this very spot. It included a 15th-century medieval tower. However on April 9 1713 tragedy struck. The 14th-century nave collapsed. Imagine the scene the shock the fear.
Godfrey Kneller a prominent churchwarden at the time played a pivotal role in the reconstruction. He worked alongside architect John James. They rebuilt the church in the Neo-classical style. A fascinating detail is that the collapse had been predicted by the new vicar Dr Pratt. He had urged the congregation to give thanks that the church hadn’t fallen while they were inside. They laughed. A week later it collapsed.
The 18th-century church we see today is the result of this effort. It’s a beautiful blend of old and new. Inside some older monuments survived the collapse. These include a brass commemorating Richard Burton the King’s chief cook and his wife Agnes. It dates back to 1443.
The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin is more than just stones and mortar. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of history. Inside you’ll find magnificent monuments. There’s the memorial to Lady Margaret Wildman created by Sir Richard Westmacott RA. There’s also the monument to Sir Chaloner Ogle Admiral of the Fleet by John Michael Rysbrack. These are just a few examples.
Beyond the grand monuments the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin has seen remarkable events. In 1721 Dr Pratt baptized James Shandayes and John Twogood two Indian princes. Henry Fielding’s son William was christened there in 1747. Hallam Tennyson son of the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson was christened there in 1852. He later became the second Governor-General of Australia.
The church’s history doesn’t end there. Its nave is constructed of red brick. It features Tuscan pilasters and pediments. The church was enlarged in 1754. This added fittings such as a reredos and gallery fronts. The tower houses a ring of eight bells. One dates from the early 16th century. Others date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Twickenham. A place where history breathes. It’s a place where you can almost hear the echoes of past centuries. It whispers stories of faith resilience and the enduring spirit of a community.