Gazing up, note the tower that defies convention. This is St James the Less in Pimlico. It is not just another church. It’s a bold statement in brick and faith.
St James the Less stands as a testament to Victorian architectural ambition. George Edmund Street designed this Grade I listed building. He completed it between 1858 and 1861. People describe it as one of the finest Gothic Revival churches anywhere.
Street’s vision was striking. He drew inspiration from Italian architecture. The free-standing Italian-style tower dominates the exterior. Its unconventional spire splits into a central spike. Four spirelets flank it. Street had seen similar designs in Belgium and Italy.
Originally, the church served a very poor part of London. The daughters of the Bishop of Gloucester commissioned it. They wished to honor their father’s memory. The parish then housed around 31000 people.
Step inside St James the Less. The interior showcases Street’s design themes from continental Europe. Red brick dominates the walls. Black brick accents and colored tiles create contrast. Short granite columns line the nave. Each has carved capitals. W. Pearce created them. They depict parables and miracles.
Look towards the chancel. A prominent arch separates it from the nave. Mosaic and inlaid marble extensively decorate it. This makes the sanctuary darker and more mysterious.
Many interior features draw inspiration from French, Italian, and German churches. The columns and capitals echo those at St-Georges de Boscherville. The vaulting reinterprets St Jacques in Compiègne.
The fittings of St James the Less are mostly original. Thomas Earp carved the pulpit. George Frederic Watts provided a fresco, later replaced by a mosaic. Clayton and Bell designed the stained glass. They depict various saints including St James the Less. The font features an unusual domed iron canopy. It was displayed at the 1862 International Exhibition.
The church’s design sparked debate during its construction. Some critics found it irregular. Others praised Street’s unique approach. They saw it as a move beyond mere repetition of English medieval forms. One reviewer called it a lily among weeds.
Today, St James the Less stands embedded in the Lillington Gardens estate. Darbourne & Darke designed the estate to complement the church. They used dark red brick cladding. Concrete bands interspersed it.
St James the Less has evolved over the years. It shifted from a high church style to a broader church. It faced potential closure due to dwindling worshippers. A campaign led by Sir John Betjeman saved it. Today, it falls within the Charismatic Evangelical tradition.
St James the Less continues to serve its community. It offers traditional and contemporary services. Prayer meetings occur during the week. Home groups are essential to its church life.
Consider the journey of St James the Less. From its Victorian origins to its modern role. It stands as a testament to faith, architecture, and community. Its walls have heard prayers and seen countless faces. Its story continues with each passing day.