Shrine Church of Our Lady of Consolation and St Francis, Catholic shrine church in West Grinstead, England.
The Shrine Church of Our Lady of Consolation and St Francis is a Gothic Revival building in West Grinstead featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stone detailing. The structure displays characteristic Gothic elements like tall windows and finely crafted architectural features throughout.
The church construction started in 1875 under architect John A. Crawley and officially opened on June 27, 1876. This period marked a time when Gothic Revival architecture was gaining momentum across England.
The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Francis, reflecting how Catholic devotion and Franciscan spirituality meet in this place. You can sense this spiritual focus through the altars and the quiet reverence of those who come to pray.
The church sits at Park Lane in West Grinstead and welcomes visitors, particularly during service times. You should dress respectfully and be prepared for the quiet, reverent setting typical of a Roman Catholic shrine.
The writer Hilaire Belloc is buried within the church, commemorated by a tower built in his memory in 1964. This memorial reflects the site's importance as a resting place for notable Catholic figures.
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