Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, Catholic church building in Fulham, England
The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury sits on Rylston Road and displays Neo-Gothic architecture with a tower rising about 142 feet and topped with a pinnacled steeple. The building features stone construction and traditional Gothic pointed windows and decorative stonework throughout.
The building was constructed in 1847 when architect Augustus Pugin designed it after Elizabeth Bowden commissioned the work to honor her late husband J. W. Bowden. Pugin was establishing himself as a leading figure in the Neo-Gothic revival movement at that time.
The cemetery holds graves of Charles Dickens's great-grandchildren and honors 59 local parishioners lost during World War I. These burials show how deeply the church was woven into the neighborhood's family history.
The church entrance is visible from the street and the cemetery grounds are accessible for visitors to view the historic graves. It is best to check the website or call ahead at 020 7385 4040 to confirm visiting times and any access restrictions that may apply.
This building is the only complete church in London designed entirely by Pugin and sits directly beside his Grade II listed presbytery next door. The pairing of church and residence shows how Pugin conceived of these buildings working together as one pastoral center.
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