High above us rises St Gabriel’s graceful tower. It stands 160 feet tall. This Anglo-Catholic parish church has a rich history. Let’s delve into the story of St Gabriel’s.
In the mid-19th century Pimlico was rapidly growing. Thomas Cubitt developed the area. The Marquess of Westminster supported the construction of St Gabriel’s. He granted land and money for the church. Thomas Cundy Junior designed St Gabriel’s. Construction took place between 1851 and 1853. St Gabriel’s became a significant landmark.
The church is designed in the Gothic style. Bath Ragstone with Caen stone dressings form the exterior. These materials were already becoming outdated. The tower was rebuilt in 1887. This was after stonework fell. Much of the Bath stone was replaced. Today pollution has discolored the stonework.
Inside St Gabriel’s the nave impresses with its height. It stretches 60 feet to the pitched slate roof. Originally there was one aisle on each side. Wooden galleries ran along their length. These side galleries were removed in 1895-6. Outer side-aisles were added. This created the wide nave we see today. The West End gallery showcases intricate oak carvings. These carvings include elephant trunks supporting the ribs. The twelve columns supporting the nave feature heads of the apostles.
Look toward the chancel. You will see many improvements from the 1890s. A new high altar was installed in 1890. John Francis Bentley designed it. He was also the architect of Westminster Cathedral. The original pews were replaced. The stone floor was replaced with wooden blocks. The East window is stunning. Charles Eamer Kempe designed it. It depicts Christ in Glory with Saints. Electric light was installed in 1897.
The chancel was lavishly enhanced between 1897 and 1898. Lord Edward Pelham-Clinton funded these improvements. The chancel walls are lined with alabaster. Italianate mosaic and tile designs adorn the space. The floor is made of red and white marble squares.
To the south of the chancel sits the Lady Chapel. It was added during the 1896-8 works. A reredos from the original high altar is installed there. The chapel is accessed through a wrought iron screen. Above the altar an alabaster relief of the Annunciation is visible.
St Gabriel’s endured damage during the Second World War. Five bombs struck the church. One exploded destroying the Lady Chapel. Most of the glass was lost. The East window had been removed for safekeeping. The West window was replaced in 1952. It shows the Holy Trinity and the four archangels. Cracks from the bombing are still visible.
The church has undergone several renovations. These include the restoration of the tower. The church is a Grade II* Listed Building.
Today St Gabriel’s continues to be an active church. It serves the community of Pimlico. Its architecture tells a story of faith. Its resilience reflects the spirit of London.