Kennington Road, London SE11 5DU
St Anselm’s Church, Kennington
Church
Place photograph
5.7
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.7A church begun in 1914, interrupted by the First World War and completed in 1933 in a simpler form than its original ambitious design. Its present building still carries distinctive carved details and murals painted by Norman Adams in 1971.
This is a small-scale architectural and local-history visit rather than a grand church tour. The story of a design curtailed by war and lack of funds is unusually tangible here: look for the carved entrance panel, the stone seat around the building and the murals inside.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapKennington Road, London SE11 5DU
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The experience
A short, architecture-led visit when the church is open. Take time to notice the exterior carving and, if access allows, the murals and fittings inside.
Things to do
Read the entrance carving
Look above the doorway for the carved panel representing St Anselm seated between a lion and a lamb; the parish history also describes the round window and carved entrance capitals.
5–10 minutes
Look for the Pilgrim’s Progress murals
If the church is open and interior access is available, look for Norman Adams’s 1971 murals depicting The Pilgrim’s Progress.
10–20 minutes
Notice the church’s unfinished ambition
The parish account says the original design included a Latin-cross plan and elaborate dome, but lack of funds meant it was not completed as planned. Compare that account with the building’s simpler brick exterior.
5–10 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 30–60 minutes; estimate only
A close look at St Anselm’s
- 01
Check the parish website for current opening times before setting out.
- 02
View the brick frontage and entrance details from the public approach.
- 03
If the church is open, look for the Pilgrim’s Progress murals and the carved interior features.
Verified history
A mission hall with a church above was built just south of Sancroft Street in 1887. Plans for a new St Anselm’s were drawn up in 1912 by S. D. Adshead and S. C. Ramsey; the Prince of Wales laid its foundation stone in 1914. The outbreak of war stopped construction after the walls had risen only about six to ten feet. The church was completed in 1933, but lack of funds prevented the original Latin-cross plan and elaborate dome from being realised. The parish describes the finished building as London stock brick with details derived from Early Christian basilican churches. Norman Adams painted its Pilgrim’s Progress murals in 1971.
Hidden details
St Anselm between a lion and a lamb — The parish history identifies the carved panel above the entrance as St Anselm seated between a lion and a lamb, enclosed by an enriched semicircular surround.
The stone seat around the church — The church has an uncommon stone plinth-seat around its base, identified in the parish’s architectural description.
Carved plant and animal capitals — Inside, the parish account attributes the plant- and animal-carved cushion-shaped arcade capitals to A. H. Gerrard.
When to go
· Visit only after checking the parish’s current opening information; the published times may change.
No seasonal visitor feature is documented. The main consideration is whether the church is open when you arrive.
No weather-specific visitor information supplied. Check current opening arrangements before setting out.
What to look for
- 01
Outside, find the carved panel above the entrance showing St Anselm between a lion and a lamb, the round window and the stone plinth-seat around the building. Inside, look for the 1971 murals depicting The Pilgrim’s Progress, the timber roof trusses and the carved font
- 02
interior access depends on the church being open.
The story
Church architecture, the First World War, local parish history
Best time to go
Year-round, subject to the church’s changing opening times.
Check the church website on the day you plan to visit: its published opening times may change. Avoid assuming Sunday visiting hours from service times alone.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Architecture lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-4pm
- Tuesday: 10am-4pm
- Wednesday: 10am-4pm
- Thursday: 10am-4pm
- Friday: 10am-4pm
- Saturday: 10am-3pm
- Sunday: 8-11:45am
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The parish website lists regular opening times, but warns that they may change and asks visitors to check before travelling. Services also take place during the week and on Sundays. Check the current schedule before visiting.
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Parking
Parking information not verified. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
The source row reports a toilet and wheelchair-accessible toilet; confirm availability before visiting.
Food & drink
No on-site food information verified. Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Check with the church before visiting with a dog.
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet. Confirm current access arrangements with the church before travelling.
Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around St Anselm’s Church, Kennington
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
