All Saints Margaret Street, London: Victorian Masterpiece
All Saints, Margaret Street in London is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.
It's regarded as one of the foremost examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture in Britain.
The iconic structure was designed by the renowned architect William Butterfield (pictured below).
Butterfield’s creation is widely regarded as the building that heralded the High Victorian Gothic era, a view famously championed by architectural historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock.
Commissioned by the Ecclesiological Society as a "model" church, the design was conceived in 1850, with the exterior completed by 1853 and the church consecrated in 1859.
The complex includes a clergy house and school, forming an integrated ensemble.
The church's bold use of red brick, accented with black brick bands and stone detailing on the spire, marked the first instance of polychrome brickwork in London, a dramatic departure from the city's architectural norms of the time.
Inside, the decoration is even more striking, featuring intricate marble and tile marquetry, showcasing Butterfield's commitment to vivid and elaborate craftsmanship.
The location of All Saints, tucked amidst the densely built environment of central London, means that its windows are few and generally positioned high within the structure.
The notable exception is the stunning west window, which dates back to 1877.
Designed by Alexander Gibbs, it draws inspiration from the Tree of Jesse window at Wells Cathedral and replaced an earlier window created by Alfred Gerente between 1853 and 1858.
Similarly, the glass in the south aisle, originally designed by Gerente, was replaced by Gibbs in the late 1860s.
The latter window features a depiction of Christ in majesty, accompanied by St. Edward and St. Augustine.
Another beautiful aspect of the church is the creative tiling, which plays an important part in the decoration of the nave.
The vast tiled panels on the north wall were erected in 1873, at a cost of £1,100 in memory of Upton Richards, the first vicar.
The tiles were designed by Butterfield to replace his original geometric patterns.
They were painted by Alexander Gibbs and manufactured by Henry Poole and Sons, and the panels depict a variety of scenes from the Bible and the Early Church.
The panels represent a sort of timeline of humanity’s relationship with God and owe much to the theological doctrine of Typology, in which the people and events of the Old Testament are said to prefigure the coming of Christ to save the fallen world.
In the first panels, Jewish Old Testament prophets foretell the Messiah; the central panel depicts the Holy Nativity of Jesus; and in the later panels, the Gospel is spread by the Saints and Martyrs of the Early Christian Church.
Sir John Betjeman, the renowned poet, writer, and passionate champion of heritage and architecture, said: “It was here, in the 1850s, that the revolution in architecture began…
”All Saints Margaret Street led the way in church building.”
Today, the church holds Grade 1 listed status, a testament to its architectural and historical significance.
It remains a vibrant house of prayer, deeply valued by all who worship within its walls for its sacred atmosphere and remarkable heritage.
In January 2014, it was selected by Simon Thurley, then head of English Heritage, as one of the ten buildings that have had a profound impact on shaping Britain’s
According to their official website, the church is generally open seven days a week.
Someone who recently visited the church said: “Stopped off at the stunning All Saints Church, Margaret Street London.
”Absolutely magnificent church in amazing condition.
”Huge vaulted ceiling just has to be seen to be appreciated. Lots going on and useful sign outside really helps.”
If you’d like to visit, the address is: 7 Margaret St, London W1W 8JG.
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