The imposing Portland stone facade of St Paul’s Deptford greets you. This magnificent Baroque church isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and even a touch of rock and roll history.
St Paul’s Deptford designed by the esteemed gentleman architect Thomas Archer stands as one of London’s finest examples of 18th-century church architecture. Built between 1712 and 1730 it’s a Grade I listed building. It’s one of only a dozen churches actually built from a planned fifty by the New Church Commissioners. This was a bold attempt to counter the growing dissent from the established Anglican church among the skilled workers of Deptford then a thriving settlement in Kent.
Archer’s design is breathtaking. The cylindrical tower with its unique steeple is encircled by a semi-circular portico. Notice the colossal pilasters that adorn the church’s facades. The steeple a later addition required significant structural reinforcement. The main body of the church is almost square. It features two grand staircases leading to side entrances. These are considered unusual for a church of this style. The east wall boasts a projecting apse.
Inside St Paul’s Deptford two rows of giant Corinthian columns separate the aisles. There are side galleries supported by these majestic columns and an organ gallery above the entrance. The east window a Venetian window follows the curve of the apse. This distinctive feature is a true Baroque touch. Interestingly the church’s three bells originally intended for change ringing are now unringable. They were cast at different times by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry the oldest dating back to 1772.
St Paul’s Deptford has led a fascinating life. In the 1970s its crypt hosted a reggae club. Later in the 1980s it became a venue for all-night psychedelic rock concerts. Even the anarcho-punk band Conflict held gigs there. Sadly a fire damaged the church in May 2000. Much of the stained glass was lost. Smoke blackened the interior including the organ case. Thankfully the structural damage was largely confined to the east end.
Today St Paul’s Deptford continues to serve its community. It’s a vibrant place of worship where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. The church’s beauty its unique history its surprising past and its present-day spirit make it truly a remarkable place. Take a moment to appreciate its grandeur. Absorb the story it whispers. It’s a tale of faith community and music echoing through the centuries.