St James sits dramatically at the end of Sussex Gardens, forming the focal point of one of London's most impressive examples of early 19th Century urban planning.
The present church is largely the work of G E Street: it was in fact his last church, the foundation stone being laid two months after his death in 1881. His design incorporated the chancel of an earlier church built in 1841-43, which he turned into a west chapel. The style is mostly late 14th Century, with huge and dramatic east and west windows, the former Decorated and the latter Perpendicular. The most dominant external feature is robust tower from the earlier church, surmounted by a belfry stage and spire.
The interior conveys an impressive sense of space: the lofty and wide nave is aisled and has a wooden coved roof. The space beneath the tower forms a vast baptistery, framed by a huge west tower arch which provides a counterpoint for the larger but more delicate chancel arch. The chancel has a reredos by James Forsyth, framed by blind arcading filled inlaid coloured marble, the east window filled with glass by Clayton & Bell. The church was badly damaged in World War II, and the west window dates from this rededication. It includes a charming image of a steam locomotive of the Great Western Railway departing from nearby Paddington station.
The church has been associated with a varied group of notable people: Bishop James Hannington preached here before going to Uganda (and his martyrdom); Lord Baden Powell was baptised in the earlier church; Alexander Fleming worshipped here; and Oscar Wilde and Constance Lloyd were married in the newly completed church in 1884.
The church has always had a reputation for social outreach (particularly social housing), as well as vigorous worship in the Anglo-Catholic style with a daily mass and monthly Evensong and Benediction. It is noted for the quality of its church music, and hosts regular concerts.
St James, Sussex gardens, London W2 3UD
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