St Mary Magdalene feels like a proper "town church": despite later developments, the church itself is still enclosed on three sides by buildings, with a modest churchyard open to one side, albeit sadly bounded by the busy A305.
The church itself is a tale of three parts: the west door leads through the mediaeval Perpendicular Gothic tower, into a bright and spacious classical nave of 1750, and onwards into the neo-Gothic chancel designed by G F Bodley in 1904. The nave takes centre stage, with slender Tuscan columns opening into wide aisles. Executed in brick with round headed widows, the only jarring note is the open frame timber roof, inserted in 1866 by Blomfield. In contrast, the barrel vaults of the aisles, picked out in white, pink and gold, are delightfully harmonious.
The aisles are so filled with monuments, they feel almost like galleries. The monuments date from the 16th century, and include that of John Bentley (d. 1660) and his wife and daughter, three busts within a simple Classical frame; and Barbara Lowther (d. 1806), a restrained, delicate piece by the notable sculptor John Flaxman (1755-1826). Lord Richard Attenborough (1923-2014) and the celebrated Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean (1787-1833) have memorials here, thespians separated by nearly two centuries. Both font and pulpit are 18th century: the former with a pretty fluted bowl, and the latter balanced precariously on six tall barley-twist legs. Bodley's chancel contains good stained glass of his own design.
The church is known for its rich musical tradition, and services are organised as part of the Richmond Team Ministry, with choral services each Sunday.
St Mary Magdalene, Church Walk, England, TW9 1SN, United Kingdom
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