Beneath this fusion of styles stands St. Anselm’s Catholic Church. Let me share its story with you.
St. Anselm’s Catholic Church is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and architectural ingenuity. Its story begins with a humble mission in a former Baptist chapel. The year was 1905. This mission, initially part of Holy Ghost, Balham, became a separate parish in 1909.
The dedication to St. Anselm marked the 800th anniversary of his death. But the original chapel was falling apart by 1928. Father Cornelius Le Warne, the rector at the time, decided a new church was needed.
Enter John Bernard Mendham. Raised in Buenos Aires, Mendham brought a unique vision. His design blended Classical, Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar styles. Some say it resembles Zaragoza Cathedral in Spain. Construction started in 1932. By Easter 1933, St. Anselm’s Catholic Church was ready.
Look at the north elevation. It faces Balham High Road. Notice the statue of St. Anselm under the canopy. See the mix of Mudejar and Gothic details in the windows. The inscription reads: DEO OPTIMO MAXIMO IN HONOREM SANCTI ANSELMI ARCHIESCOPI CANTUARIENSIS. It honors St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury.
Step inside St. Anselm’s Catholic Church. The narthex has grey brick arches. Low plastered groin vaults support the choir gallery. The recess with iron gates was likely once a baptistery.
Move into the nave. The space opens to an octagonal dome. It’s supported by squinches. Sunlight filters through narrow lancet windows. These windows show a Gothic and Mudejar influence.
In 1952, a baldacchino was added. It stands over the high altar. This was a memorial to Father Le Warne. Canon Alfred Gilliard, his successor, commissioned it. The designer remains unknown.
A re-ordering in 1979 brought changes. Kendal Building Services updated the sanctuary. In 1988, Michelmore Associates remodelled the undercroft. A parish hall was added to the rear.
More recently, in 2009, Baxter Phillips Architects remodelled the exterior. They improved disabled access. A mosaic was added. It displays St. Anselm’s words: Faith seeks Reason. This marked the parish’s centenary and the 900th anniversary of St. Anselm’s death.
Consider the eclectic mix of styles in St. Anselm’s Catholic Church. It is a testament to architectural vision. It fuses Gothic, Classical, Byzantine, Romanesque and Mudéjar elements.
Pause for a moment to appreciate the furnishings. The baldacchino stands out. It is raised on grey marble columns with Romanesque capitals. The marble high altar and tabernacle remain intact.
Notice the Bath stone suite. It includes the altar inscribed “Christ is Risen”. Look for the ambo. It reads “The Good News”. Find the font marked “New Life”. These date back to the 1979 reordering.
The Lady Chapel features a marble altar. The Sacred Heart chapel has a stone altar. It also has a marble panelled reredos.
Look for the relief of St. Anselm in the south aisle. It depicts Tooting church and Canterbury Cathedral. There are also reliefs of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher. A statue of St. Joseph stands in the nave. The Stations of the Cross show low-relief figures.
St. Anselm’s Catholic Church received Grade II listed status in 2014. This recognizes its architectural and historical significance.
As we conclude, remember St. Anselm’s Catholic Church. It is a place of worship and a unique architectural statement. Its history reflects faith, community, and artistic vision, right here in London.