St Saviour’s Priory

Hidden within the bustling streets of Haggerston lies St Saviour’s Priory. A haven of peace and service. This unassuming building holds over 150 years of stories. St Saviour’s Priory is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Society of St Margaret. Founded in 1855 by Rev. John Mason Neale, the society sought to combine prayer with practical help for the poor and isolated. St Saviour’s Priory opened its doors in Haggerston in 1866, taking on the challenge of serving a community grappling with poverty and isolation. Those very challenges remain relevant even today. The sisters of St Saviour’s Priory continue to address them with unwavering dedication. The original buildings, quite dilapidated, were mostly demolished in 1887. A new conventual building, designed by C.H.M. Mileham, began to rise. However, due to funding shortages, its completion was delayed. It was not until 1925, with the designs of J Harold Gibbons, that construction resumed. Further work continued into the late 1970s, thanks to Lawrence King. The result is the St Saviour’s Priory we see today. At the heart of the priory lies the chapel. A screen and organ gallery separate the entrance from the main chapel area. At the east end, above and behind the sanctuary, is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. A space designed for private devotion and Benediction. Look closely at the choir stalls. You’ll find forty-two misericord seats, each depicting native British flora and fauna. These intricate carvings are the work of Sister Laetitia, who honed her woodworking skills within the priory walls. A beautiful echo of Haggerston’s history as a hub for furniture making and related trades. The pipe organ, a magnificent instrument, has its own story. It was transferred to St Saviour’s Priory in 1962 from Brasted College in Kent, a theological college that had closed its doors. St Saviour’s continues its outreach through the Dunloe Centre. Offering hot meals, clothing, and support to the homeless and those in need. The Sunday Stall provides affordable secondhand goods, fostering community and support among its patrons.