“St Raphael’s Church. Open to all.” That’s what Alexander Raphael wanted. St Raphael’s Roman Catholic Church stands here as a testament to faith and history.
Alexander Raphael, a prominent figure built it. He was the first Catholic Sheriff of London after the Catholic Emancipation Act. This act allowed Catholics to participate more fully in public life. Before that, they had faced many restrictions.
Alexander Raphael, whose family came from India, commissioned St Raphael’s as his family chapel in 1846. Charles Parker, a renowned architect designed it. Parker incorporated Italianate style with early Christian and Renaissance influences. The church was completed in 1848.
Sadly, Alexander Raphael died in 1850. His nephew Edmund inherited the estate. Showing great foresight, Edmund opened the church for public worship. St Raphael’s became the first Roman Catholic church in Kingston after the Reformation.
Over time, St Raphael’s Church and its land passed to the Savile family. This happened through bequests. The Savile family had connections to the Earls of Mexborough in Yorkshire. Several Savile family members are buried in the vault beneath the High Altar.
A memorial plaque inside St Raphael’s honors Lady Anne Savile. She tragically died while attempting to fly over the Atlantic. She aimed to be the first aviator to accomplish this feat from east to west.
After the Second World War, the Diocese of Southwark acquired St Raphael’s. Today, St Raphael’s is a Grade II* listed building. This recognizes its historical and architectural significance. The church was officially consecrated on St Raphael’s Day in 2012.
Charles Parker’s architectural style is noteworthy. St Raphael’s features a western tower with tripled round arches. Bracketed eaves support its pyramidal roof. Round-headed aisle windows add to the Italianate design.
Inside St Raphael’s, you will find a richly decorated interior. Minton floor tiles adorn the floors. Stained glass windows illuminate the space. Colored statues by Mayer of Munich enhance the ambiance. The walls showcase grey and white hues with gilded accents.
The east window depicts the Agony in the Garden. It also shows the Angel Raphael with the young Tobias and the Annunciation. Side windows feature colored arabesques.
St Raphael’s interior also features a marble pulpit and font. Statues of St Peter, Jesus, and St Paul stand in the baptistery. The Lady Chapel contains a carved marble reredos of the Annunciation.
The organ in St Raphael’s was made by Bishop & Starr. This company was an organ builder to Queen Victoria. Chopin is reputed to have played on it.
St Raphael’s is more than just a building. It stands as a legacy of faith. It embodies architectural beauty. It remembers important historical figures. Its doors are open.