Imagine wealthy glove manufacturer John Derby Allcroft financing the construction of St Jude’s Church. This striking Gothic Revival building stands before us. St Jude’s Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies Victorian philanthropy and architectural ambition.
St Jude’s Church was designed by George Godwin and Henry Godwin. Construction took place between 1867 and 1870. The impressive tower and spire were added in 1879. The church sits on what was once part of Captain Robert Gunter’s estate. Reverend J. A. Aston oversaw the project. Myers & Sons undertook the construction. Excluding the tower, pulpit, font and organ, it cost £11,300.
Look around at the exterior of St Jude’s Church. It’s surrounded by Courtfield Gardens, Collingham Road and Courtfield Road. Notice the adjacent Vicarage to the north. It was built in 1874 and also designed by the Godwins. The building showcases the Gothic Revival style. It’s built of Kentish ragstone with ashlar stone dressings. The steeply pitched gabled roofs feature varying colored bands of slate tiles. There are more than forty roof slopes.
Step inside St Jude’s Church for a moment. The nave has galleries on the north, west and south sides at first floor level. The nave is unusually wide. Banded iron columns support the structure. The columns are topped with sheet copper capitals. The brickwork features elaborate patterns. Buff, red and black bricks create visual interest. Murals in roundels are above the column capitals and in the chancel arch. Edward Frampton painted these murals. The nave has diagonally-set quarry tiles. The chancel features Minton tiles.
The chancel holds several interesting features. The reredos is alabaster with mosaics by Antonio Salviati. Sculpted figures of St Jude, St Peter and St Augustine adorn it. The pulpit is made of marble and alabaster. The lectern is brass. Thomas Earp designed these elements. Edward Frampton crafted them.
The Reverend Robert William Forest was the first incumbent. He later became Dean of Worcester. St Jude’s Church was designed to hold up to 1600 people. This capacity was achieved by using the nave, narthex and galleries. The building received a Grade II* listing on 7 November 1984.
In 2006, St Jude’s Church parishioners joined St Mary the Boltons. This doubled the latter’s congregation. Holy Trinity Brompton Church then took over the building.
Under HTB’s leadership, HMDW Architects began a transformation in 2010. The building became St Mellitus College, a theological school. The roof was entirely replaced with similar slates. An excavated undercroft now houses lecture rooms, offices and amenities. Glass screens divide the nave, reducing its width and length. A café has been installed in the enlarged narthex. A new first floor provides a library above the café. The western entrance stonework has been cleaned. Interior white paint has been removed to reveal the brickwork. Archived memorials have been reinstated. Vertical blinds line the sides of the nave in front of the glass partitions.
From a place of worship to a theological college, St Jude’s Church has adapted to the changing times. Its architectural beauty and historical significance continue to inspire. St Jude’s Church remains a testament to faith, community, and the enduring power of design.