St Wilfrid's Church, Brighton
Encyclopedia
St Wilfrid's Church is a former Anglican
church in Brighton
, part of the English
city of Brighton and Hove. Designed and built in the 1930s to replace a temporary building in the densely populated Elm Grove area, its unusual design—not conforming with architectural norms of the era—was widely praised. It was declared redundant after less than 50 years as a place of worship, and was converted into sheltered housing
with minimal alteration to the exterior. Shortly after its closure, it was granted Grade II listed status.
on Race Hill, was laid out in the 1850s. Residential development occurred in two stages: during the 1860s, and in the 1880s. Tightly packed terraced housing was provided on the northern and southern slopes of the hill between the 1860s and 1900, and the area became very densely populated.
At first, Anglican services were held in a series of rented rooms and halls in the area. The congregation outgrew these, and a temporary church built of tin was constructed on the site of the present church, at the junction of Elm Grove and Whippingham Road. This was inaugurated on 25 August 1901. A year earlier, the area had been designated a district within the Parish of Brighton. The church was dedicated
in 1902 by the Bishop of Chichester
Ernest Wilberforce
.
The church was given its own parish in 1922. An extra 2,000 people came within its boundaries, and a permanent church was required. £15,000 was raised by parishioners and from other sources, and services were held in the nearby parish hall (built in 1927) while the new church was built. Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel
was commissioned to design it, and building firm George Lynn and Sons Ltd were responsible for the construction. It was consecrated on 25 November 1933 by George Bell
, the incumbent Bishop of Chichester.
German painter Hans Feibusch
's first work in the United Kingdom—where he worked for most of his career—was a large mural
in the Lady chapel
, which he designed between 1940 and 1941. Bishop Bell commissioned Feibusch to provide many other murals and paintings for the Diocese of Chichester
, including at Chichester Cathedral
.
The discovery of blue asbestos
in the church interior resulted in its closure in 1980. The fabric of the building deteriorated during its period of disuse. When the Church Commissioners
announced their intention to demolish the building, it was granted listed status and a public inquiry
was held. The threat of demolition was lifted, and the building was stripped internally and converted into flats for elderly people.
, who was also responsible for a large office building (Princes House) in the centre of Brighton and for various similar buildings in London. For his work on St Wilfrid's Church, he combined his interest 19th-century church architecture
with modern structural ideas and materials in a way consistent with the architectural concept of Eclecticism
. Its style has been described as tending towards Rationalism
in its "expression of structure"; "remarkable" in its ingenuity, as it "does not imitate any style of the past, nor ... the modern style
of 1930"; and "highly original". John Betjeman
called it "about the best 1930s church there is".
The exterior walls are two-tone brick (red and brown), built with double thickness. The brickwork is laid out in the Flemish bond style and was produced locally, by the Keymer Brick and Tile Works in Burgess Hill
. The roof is of reinforced concrete
and was treated to make it fireproof. The tower at the west end has a saddleback
roof. Inside, the chancel
stood higher than the altar and sanctuary, and was separated from it with a lintel
; similarly, a lintel, rather than the more usual chancel arch, separated the chancel from the five-bay
nave
. To make the altar as clearly visible as possible from all parts of the church, Goodhart-Rendel made the nave wide and the north and south aisles narrow and low. There was also a baptistery
at a higher level than the nave, a porch, a side chapel and a vestry
.
on 14 January 1981. This status is given to buildings which are "nationally important and of special interest". As of February 2001, it was one of 1,124 Grade II-listed buildings and structures, and 1,218 listed buildings of all grades, in the city of Brighton and Hove.
A residential development called "St Wilfrid's Flats" now occupies the interior of the former church.
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
church in Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
, part of the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
city of Brighton and Hove. Designed and built in the 1930s to replace a temporary building in the densely populated Elm Grove area, its unusual design—not conforming with architectural norms of the era—was widely praised. It was declared redundant after less than 50 years as a place of worship, and was converted into sheltered housing
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing is a British English term covering a wide range of rented housing for older and/or disabled or other vulnerable people. Most commonly it refers to grouped housing such as a block or "scheme" of flats or bungalows with a scheme manager or "officer"; traditionally the manager has...
with minimal alteration to the exterior. Shortly after its closure, it was granted Grade II listed status.
History
Elm Grove, a steep road running from central Brighton eastwards to Brighton RacecourseBrighton Racecourse
Brighton Racecourse is a horse racing course at Brighton, East Sussex in England, for flat races of up to about one and a half miles. The course is one of three courses in Britain which is not a circuit and forms a figure like three sides of a square, sloping, with wide left-hand turns and an...
on Race Hill, was laid out in the 1850s. Residential development occurred in two stages: during the 1860s, and in the 1880s. Tightly packed terraced housing was provided on the northern and southern slopes of the hill between the 1860s and 1900, and the area became very densely populated.
At first, Anglican services were held in a series of rented rooms and halls in the area. The congregation outgrew these, and a temporary church built of tin was constructed on the site of the present church, at the junction of Elm Grove and Whippingham Road. This was inaugurated on 25 August 1901. A year earlier, the area had been designated a district within the Parish of Brighton. The church was dedicated
Dedication
Dedication is the act of consecrating an altar, temple, church or other sacred building. It also refers to the inscription of books or other artifacts when these are specifically addressed or presented to a particular person. This practice, which once was used to gain the patronage and support of...
in 1902 by the Bishop of Chichester
Bishop of Chichester
The Bishop of Chichester is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Chichester in the Province of Canterbury. The diocese covers the Counties of East and West Sussex. The see is in the City of Chichester where the seat is located at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity...
Ernest Wilberforce
Ernest Roland Wilberforce
Ernest Roland Wilberforce was an Anglican clergyman and bishop. From 1882 to 1896 he was the first Anglican Bishop of Newcastle upon the diocese's creation, and from 1896 to 1907 he was Bishop of Chichester....
.
The church was given its own parish in 1922. An extra 2,000 people came within its boundaries, and a permanent church was required. £15,000 was raised by parishioners and from other sources, and services were held in the nearby parish hall (built in 1927) while the new church was built. Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel
Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel
Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel was an English architect and writer, also a musician.-Life:He was educated at Eton College, and read music at Trinity College, Cambridge. He worked shortly for Sir Charles Nicholson, and then set up his own architectural practice...
was commissioned to design it, and building firm George Lynn and Sons Ltd were responsible for the construction. It was consecrated on 25 November 1933 by George Bell
George Bell (bishop)
George Kennedy Allen Bell was an Anglican theologian, Dean of Canterbury, Bishop of Chichester, member of the House of Lords and a pioneer of the Ecumenical Movement.-Early career:...
, the incumbent Bishop of Chichester.
German painter Hans Feibusch
Hans Feibusch
Hans Feibusch was a German painter and sculptor who lived and worked in Britain for much of his career, having escaped the Third Reich....
's first work in the United Kingdom—where he worked for most of his career—was a large mural
Mural
A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. A particularly distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture.-History:Murals of...
in the Lady chapel
Lady chapel
A Lady chapel, also called Mary chapel or Marian chapel, is a traditional English term for a chapel inside a cathedral, basilica, or large church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary...
, which he designed between 1940 and 1941. Bishop Bell commissioned Feibusch to provide many other murals and paintings for the Diocese of Chichester
Diocese of Chichester
The Diocese of Chichester is a Church of England diocese based in Chichester, covering Sussex. It was created in 1075 to replace the old Diocese of Selsey, which was based at Selsey Abbey from 681. The cathedral is Chichester Cathedral and the bishop is the Bishop of Chichester...
, including at Chichester Cathedral
Chichester Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, otherwise called Chichester Cathedral, is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Chichester. It is located in Chichester, in Sussex, England...
.
The discovery of blue asbestos
Asbestos
Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their eponymous, asbestiform habit: long, thin fibrous crystals...
in the church interior resulted in its closure in 1980. The fabric of the building deteriorated during its period of disuse. When the Church Commissioners
Church Commissioners
The Church Commissioners is a body managing the historic property assets of the Church of England. It was set up in 1948 combining the assets of Queen Anne's Bounty, a fund dating from 1704 for the relief of poor clergy, and of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners formed in 1836...
announced their intention to demolish the building, it was granted listed status and a public inquiry
Public inquiry
A Tribunal of Inquiry is an official review of events or actions ordered by a government body in Common Law countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland or Canada. Such a public inquiry differs from a Royal Commission in that a public inquiry accepts evidence and conducts its hearings in a more...
was held. The threat of demolition was lifted, and the building was stripped internally and converted into flats for elderly people.
Architecture
Goodhart-Rendel was a former president of the Royal Institute of British ArchitectsRoyal Institute of British Architects
The Royal Institute of British Architects is a professional body for architects primarily in the United Kingdom, but also internationally.-History:...
, who was also responsible for a large office building (Princes House) in the centre of Brighton and for various similar buildings in London. For his work on St Wilfrid's Church, he combined his interest 19th-century church architecture
Church architecture
Church architecture refers to the architecture of buildings of Christian churches. It has evolved over the two thousand years of the Christian religion, partly by innovation and partly by imitating other architectural styles as well as responding to changing beliefs, practices and local traditions...
with modern structural ideas and materials in a way consistent with the architectural concept of Eclecticism
Eclecticism
Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases.It can sometimes seem inelegant or...
. Its style has been described as tending towards Rationalism
Rationalism (architecture)
The intellectual principles of rationalism are based on architectural theory. Vitruvius had already established in his work De Architectura that architecture is a science that can be comprehended rationally. This formulation was taken up and further developed in the architectural treatises of the...
in its "expression of structure"; "remarkable" in its ingenuity, as it "does not imitate any style of the past, nor ... the modern style
Modern architecture
Modern architecture is generally characterized by simplification of form and creation of ornament from the structure and theme of the building. It is a term applied to an overarching movement, with its exact definition and scope varying widely...
of 1930"; and "highly original". John Betjeman
John Betjeman
Sir John Betjeman, CBE was an English poet, writer and broadcaster who described himself in Who's Who as a "poet and hack".He was a founding member of the Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture...
called it "about the best 1930s church there is".
The exterior walls are two-tone brick (red and brown), built with double thickness. The brickwork is laid out in the Flemish bond style and was produced locally, by the Keymer Brick and Tile Works in Burgess Hill
Burgess Hill
Burgess Hill is a civil parish and a town primarily located in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex, England, close to the border with East Sussex, on the edge of the South Downs National Park...
. The roof is of reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete is concrete in which reinforcement bars , reinforcement grids, plates or fibers have been incorporated to strengthen the concrete in tension. It was invented by French gardener Joseph Monier in 1849 and patented in 1867. The term Ferro Concrete refers only to concrete that is...
and was treated to make it fireproof. The tower at the west end has a saddleback
Saddleback
In general, a saddleback is the shape of a saddle.Saddleback can also refer to:Fauna* Saddleback , an endemic bird in New Zealand.* Saddleback caterpillar, a moth larva with a painful sting* Saddleback clownfish* Saddleback toad...
roof. Inside, the chancel
Chancel
In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar in the sanctuary at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building...
stood higher than the altar and sanctuary, and was separated from it with a lintel
Lintel (architecture)
A lintel can be a load-bearing building component, a decorative architectural element, or a combined ornamented structural item. It is often found over portals, doors, and windows.-Structural uses:...
; similarly, a lintel, rather than the more usual chancel arch, separated the chancel from the five-bay
Bay (architecture)
A bay is a unit of form in architecture. This unit is defined as the zone between the outer edges of an engaged column, pilaster, or post; or within a window frame, doorframe, or vertical 'bas relief' wall form.-Defining elements:...
nave
Nave
In Romanesque and Gothic Christian abbey, cathedral basilica and church architecture, the nave is the central approach to the high altar, the main body of the church. "Nave" was probably suggested by the keel shape of its vaulting...
. To make the altar as clearly visible as possible from all parts of the church, Goodhart-Rendel made the nave wide and the north and south aisles narrow and low. There was also a baptistery
Baptistery
In Christian architecture the baptistry or baptistery is the separate centrally-planned structure surrounding the baptismal font. The baptistry may be incorporated within the body of a church or cathedral and be provided with an altar as a chapel...
at a higher level than the nave, a porch, a side chapel and a vestry
Vestry
A vestry is a room in or attached to a church or synagogue in which the vestments, vessels, records, etc., are kept , and in which the clergy and choir robe or don their vestments for divine service....
.
The building today
St Wilfrid's Church was listed at Grade II by English HeritageEnglish Heritage
English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
on 14 January 1981. This status is given to buildings which are "nationally important and of special interest". As of February 2001, it was one of 1,124 Grade II-listed buildings and structures, and 1,218 listed buildings of all grades, in the city of Brighton and Hove.
A residential development called "St Wilfrid's Flats" now occupies the interior of the former church.