St Mary Abbots, Kensington

St Mary Abbots is a Gothic Revival church in Kensington distinguished by a soaring spire that rises above Kensington High Street, decorated with intricate stonework and ornate architectural details. The interior and exterior display hallmarks of 19th-century Gothic Revival design.

The original chapel at this site was established in 1262 through a connection with a Benedictine abbey in Abingdon, which gave the area its name. The building was completely reconstructed in the 19th century in Gothic Revival style, creating the structure seen today.

The church houses a historic bell ring with ten bells, some dating from the 18th century, which ring regularly during services and mark the passing hours. This soundscape connects the location to centuries of community worship and tradition.

The church is located at the corner of Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street and welcomes visitors daily, with regular Anglican services throughout the week. The entrance is easily spotted, and nearby shops and cafés provide refreshment before or after your visit.

Among its ten bells, five date from 1772 and have survived to ring today, making the church a rare example of continuity in bell-ringing tradition. These ancient bells were carefully preserved and continue to mark moments of worship and community time.

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Inception: 1872

Architects: George Gilbert Scott

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: https://smaw8.org

GPS coordinates: 51.50220,-0.19167

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23