2-979-107 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Roman Catholic Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Fulham, 1857. 'This handsome edifice was erected in 1848, from the designs of the late A. W. Pugin; and the steeple...may be considered one of the best works of that lamented architect. The edifice, of Kentish rag and Bath stone, was built at the sole expense of Mrs. Elizabeth Bowden, mainly with the object of providing a fitting place of worship for the poor Roman Catholics labouring in the large market-gardens of the district, numbering nearly 2000 souls...The tower is 142 feet high to the top of the cross...Contiguous to the church, and surrounded by a large playground, are the schools, capable of holding 300 children...here, during the late winter seasons, regular lectures on astronomy and sacred history, illustrated by dissolving diagrams and views, have been delivered gratuitously by the resident priest...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.