St Saviours Church

Elevated above the charming St. George’s Square stands St Saviour’s Church, a testament to Victorian grandeur and Anglo-Catholic devotion. St Saviour’s Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a time capsule, whispering tales of London’s vibrant past. The church was consecrated in 1864, a gift from the Duke of Westminster and built on land donated by the executors of master builder Sir Thomas Cubitt. Designed by Thomas Cundy Jr., St Saviour’s Church boasts a striking Gothic style, crafted from ragstone and adorned with bathstone. Its spire, once among London’s tallest, still commands attention, a beacon in the Pimlico skyline. Initially, the interior of St Saviour’s Church was quite simple. Galleries stretched from the chancel to the west end, lacking the ornate decoration seen today. However, the 1880s brought a wave of “beautifying.” The galleries were removed, and the chancel was enriched with elaborate arcading, a reredos, and stately steps, transforming St Saviour’s Church into the visually stunning space we admire today. In the early 20th century, a north vestry was added. Later, during wartime, St Saviour’s Church suffered damage but was lovingly restored. The 1950s saw the addition of a brick church hall. In the 1990s, the exterior underwent extensive cleaning, and new bells were installed, ensuring St Saviour’s Church continued to resonate within the community. St Saviour’s Church has been graced by notable figures throughout its history. Laurence Olivier, the renowned actor, served as a choirboy and boat boy here, while his father was a curate. Walter Clopton Wingfield, the founder of modern lawn tennis, was a regular worshipper. And the writer Sir Compton Mackenzie chose St Saviour’s Church as the setting for his wedding. Even royalty has connections to this sacred space. Before her marriage to Prince Charles, Princess Diana worked at the Young England Kindergarten, located in the church hall. A tree and bench seat stand as a poignant tribute to her memory. St Saviour’s Church stands not only as a beautiful building but also as a repository of history, a place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the present, inviting all who enter to become a part of its ongoing story.