97 Lorrimore Road, London SE17 3LZ
St Wilfrid’s RC Church, Kennington Park
Church
Place photograph
5.3
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.3A brick Gothic church whose tower survived a wartime bombing that badly damaged the nave. Inside, its sanctuary and Lady Chapel retain richly carved marble and gilded furnishings, including the original altars given by the Smail family.
This is not a countryside escape, but it offers a distinctive encounter with South London’s layered history: a landmark Gothic tower, a church rebuilt after bombing, and unusually elaborate sanctuary furnishings that reward a quiet, attentive visit.
Atmospheric · Peaceful
Find your way
Open map97 Lorrimore Road, London SE17 3LZ
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The experience
A short, architecture-led visit focused on the church’s tower, wartime fabric and surviving Gothic furnishings. Confirm access before setting out.
Things to do
Read the church’s wartime fabric
From the west elevation, look for the contrast between original brickwork and the areas rebuilt after the nave was damaged by a bomb in 1940.
10–15 minutes
Study the tower and spire
Look up at the four-stage tower, its narrowing upper section, embattled parapet and slender spire, described in the heritage account as a local landmark.
5–10 minutes
See the sanctuary and Lady Chapel furnishings
If the church is open and access is appropriate, look for the Smail family’s original altars, the carved marble panels and the gilded decoration. Do not enter areas that are closed or in use.
15–25 minutes
Find the former stable building
The heritage account identifies the surviving former stable as the sacristy; it was adapted to serve as the church’s temporary place of worship before the permanent church was built.
5 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 30–60 minutes
A closer look at St Wilfrid’s
- 01
Check with the parish that the church will be open to visitors.
- 02
Walk around the exterior and look for the tower, spire and visible changes to the west elevation.
- 03
If admitted, take a quiet look at the sanctuary furnishings and Lady Chapel, being considerate of worship and prayer.
Verified history
The site was purchased in 1904 through the generosity of Frances Ellis. A former stable was adapted as a temporary church while funds were raised for a permanent building. A benefaction from Henry Smail and his wife made construction possible; designed by F.A. Walters, the church was built within eighteen months and its first Mass was held in November 1915. The mission became an independent parish in 1920. An enemy bomb struck the church in November 1940, severely damaging the nave while the tower survived. The building was restored in 1948–49, with further repairs and renovation later in the 1950s. It was consecrated in June 1960. Its furnishings include original altars given by the Smail family and a sacristy converted from the former stable.
Hidden details
The church began in a stable — The surviving former stable was adapted as the temporary church before the permanent building was completed.
The tower outlasted the bombing — The 1940 bomb caused major damage to the nave, but the tower survived. The west elevation still shows differences between original and rebuilt brickwork.
When to go
· When the church is open to visitors; check current access and service times first.
The main interest is architectural and historical rather than seasonal. Access depends on the church’s current arrangements.
The main place pin is not verified as an entrance. Check access before travelling; no route or outdoor conditions were supplied.
What to look for
- 01
The distinctive four-stage tower and slender spire
- 02
the rebuilt sections of the west elevation
- 03
the carved and gilded high altar and reredos
- 04
the Lady Chapel’s richly decorated altar
- 05
and the former stable building that served as the first temporary church.
The story
War & battle, Architecture
Best time to go
Year-round, subject to church access and services.
Visit when the church is open to visitors, avoiding disruption to services. Check the parish website for current access arrangements.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Architecture lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9-11am
- Wednesday: 9-11am
- Thursday: 9-11am
- Friday: 9-11am
- Saturday: 9:30-11am, 4-6pm
- Sunday: 8:30am-1pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A working Catholic church. The parish website describes it as welcoming visitors, but check current access before travelling and be mindful of services and worshippers.
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Parking
Check before visiting; parking information was not verified.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
No café or food provision verified.
Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet, but the church website’s specific accessibility information was not supplied. Check arrangements before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around St Wilfrid’s RC Church, Kennington Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
