St John the Baptist

Exquisite detail and craftsmanship throughout the whole building.

Holland Park, Greater London

Opening times

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Other times by appointment through the parish office.

Address

Holland Road
Holland Park
Greater London
W14 8AH

Begun in 1880, and completed around 1910, this is Brooks masterpiece, and his only stone built church. Comprising narthex, nave and aisles, transept, north and south (lady) Chapels and chancels, this is a cathedral style church.

This dramatic and inspiring Grade I cathedral church is an acknowledged masterpiece by James Brooks (1825-1901), a major and prolific Victorian architect. Based on the c12th plain Cistercian model, it was developed incrementally 1885-1916 for a more elaborate expression of theology through ritual.

The stone church was begun in the mid 1880s and the chancel completed by 1885. Construction continued westward for a further 25 years and ended with the completion of the west front in 1910. Its restricted period of development; thanks to the firm hand of the first two Anglo Catholic incumbents 1869-1916; and the generosity and dedication of the parishioners, ensured throughout a unity of concept and high quality of design and execution.

For these reasons St John’s is a distinguished and integrated time capsule of the Anglo Catholic movement doctrine and practice. It is still regularly in use for that traditional form of worship.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Train station within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Non-accessible toilets in church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Café within 500m

  • Café in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Church of England

  • Cornerstone Grant, £40,000, 2013

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Stephen the Martyr

Shepherd's Bush, Greater London

A gem at the heart of a busy corner of west London.

St Augustine

Hammersmith, Greater London

The church, built between 1915-16, was founded by Augustinian priors and continues to be served by the order from the neighbouring priory.