St. Anselms Church

Let’s step back in time and imagine this very spot in 1914, the year the foundation stone was laid for St. Anselms Church. It was a grand vision, a Latin cross plan topped by an elaborate dome, envisioned by architects S.D. Adshead and S.C. Ramsey. The Prince of Wales, a symbol of the nation’s hopes, helped lay the foundation. But then, the First World War broke out. Suddenly, the world was plunged into chaos. The war stopped the construction of the church. Brick walls began to rise, but they were left incomplete, standing as a silent testament to the halted dreams of the community. For years, they remained unfinished, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the nation. Today, St. Anselms Church stands tall, its simple character honoring the past while radiating a sense of strength and resilience.
The architects had to adapt their original grand design to fit the realities of the time. They created a church of simpler design, built from London stock brick. It stands as a symbol of hope. This church is more than just brick and mortar; it represents the unwavering spirit of the people of Kennington. This is St. Anselms: a church built not only in the face of war but in the face of life’s challenges.