National Heritage Open Day at St John’s

Come and discover our 180 yrs history.

St John's church is an outstanding example of the work of Victorian Gothic Revival architect John Loughborough Pearson.  It has the the original stained glass, a gilded triptych and an outstanding Father Willis organ.

Please join us for an organ recital at 4pm  to be enjoy with tea, scones and cakes.

About the Church

First built in 1843, St John the Evangelist was greatly enlarged by architect John Loughborough Pearson, the famed exponent of Victorian Gothic, in 1889-85. It boasts a soaring 185ft spire, original Victorian stained-glass windows, and a Father Willis organ (1897.)  

Nearly all the stained glass is by Clayton and Bell, and dates to the enlarging of the church. Particularly outstanding is the East Window, which features the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.  

The organ was built by famous Victorian organ builder Henry Willis (aka Father Willis), who also built/rebuilt around 1,000 organs, including Alexandra Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul's cathedral.  

The 185ft spire houses eight bells, which were installed in 1895. They are hung for full circle ringing and the peal is said to be one of the easiest going in Surrey.  Other features include an Angel font (1882) marking the retirement of the Rev Henry Gosse after 36 years in office; a marble pulpit depicting the raising of Lazarus, (1882); and an Eagle Lectern.

About Heritage Open Days

To find out more about Heritage Open Days please follow this link  www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/st-john-the-evangelist7