St Sarkis, Kensington

St Sarkis is an Armenian church on Iverna Gardens in Kensington with three distinct levels and a Greek cross layout. The exterior walls are built from Portland stone following traditional Armenian architectural style.

The church was built between 1922 and 1923 with financial support from Calouste Gulbenkian. He dedicated the structure to honor his parents Sarkis and Takouhi.

The interior displays an altarpiece with the Virgin and Child alongside gilded relief carvings crafted by the Bromsgrove Guild of Applied Arts. These handcrafted details shape how visitors experience the sacred space inside.

The church sits in a residential area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and is accessible on foot. Visitors should note that this is an active place of worship with limited visiting hours.

This is the only church with traditional Armenian architecture in England and was inspired by the Haghpat Monastery bell tower. This rare example of Eastern church design in Western Europe makes it a special testament to Armenian craftsmanship.

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Architects: Arthur Joseph Davis

Website: http://stsarkislondon.org

GPS coordinates: 51.49960,-0.19365

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06