3-021-191 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Kensington Old Church, 1869. 'The demolition of the old parish Church of St. Mary Abbot's, Kensington [in west London], to build a new one designed by Mr. Gilbert Scott, lately gave us occasion to present a View of the former edifice, which had never been thought beautiful, but had become familiar to all Londoners frequenting the western suburbs. We gave at the same time a short description and history of the building, upon which it is needless again to dwell in connection with our illustration of the interior now published. Its aspect, as here represented, is well known to many inhabitants of the neighbourhood, being in much the same state as it was left by the alterations made above half a century ago. There are some interesting biographical and literary associations connected with this church; and it was here that the late Duchess of Kent, when residing at Kensington Palace, came like any other Christian matron to return thanks for the happy birth of Princess Victoria, our present gracious Queen, exactly fifty years since. The memory of this circumstance may well be recalled to grace and soften the removal of the old building. In this church was buried the widow of Addison, who was the Dowager Countess of Warwick'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.