Built in 1893 St Olave’s Woodberry Down stands as a testament to Victorian architecture. Its red brick exterior and striking interior are a sight to behold. This beautiful church wasn’t always here. The land it occupies has a rich history stretching back centuries.
Long before the church stood proudly the New River flowed nearby. Completed in 1613 this crucial waterway brought fresh water to Londoners. For over two hundred years it was a defining feature of the Woodberry Down landscape. The area itself was named Wood Berry Down as early as 1734 on a map. Then in 1814 the first whispers of regeneration were heard. The area was deemed capable of improvement.
The early 1900s saw significant development. Seven Sisters Road was built connecting Woodberry Down and Green Lanes. The Manor House public house opened its doors. Reservoirs and a pumping station were constructed. Even Finsbury Park was built. By 1891 Woodberry Down boasted almost 80 homes.
But St Olave’s arrival in 1893 marked a turning point. Designed by the renowned architect Ewan Christian it was one of several churches built using funds from the sale of St Olave Old Jewry. This older church was demolished in the City of London. St Olave’s Woodberry Down was designed to accommodate a congregation of 700. It featured stunning stained glass windows some dating back to 1893 and 1897.
The church is more than just a place of worship. It houses treasured furnishings from St Olave Old Jewry. A 17th-century pulpit a marble font and a wrought-iron lectern are some examples. These items connect the new church to its illustrious past. Sadly the church was later reordered in 1994-95. The nave was made into a multi-purpose space.
St Olave’s Woodberry Down isn’t just a building. It’s a story. It’s a reflection of London’s evolution from a city reliant on water sources like the New River to a metropolis undergoing constant regeneration and renewal. It whispers of the past while offering a haven of worship in the present. A beautiful reminder of London’s enduring spirit.