Urbanisation

By the end of the 18th century, the farmlands of the parish had been extensively developed. Portland Place, Harley Street and Wimpole Street had become a residential area for wealthy families. The little church was hopelessly inadequate for a hugely increased population. The architect Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) was asked to produce designs for a new grand parish church. His monumental design (1770) for a building shaped like a Greek Cross with a huge dome was rejected in favour of a design by Thomas Hardwick, who had recently completed the building of the St Marylebone Mortury Chapel (now St John's Wood Parish Church).

Chamber's Designs

This drawing shows a section through a domed neo-classical interior. The architect designed two schemes, one with a spire and one with a dome. This image shows the more expensive domed option. This kind of 'section' drawing, where the building appears to have been cut in half, is still used by architects today. Colour is used to indicate which walls have been 'cut through' and to describe the space behind. A range of drawings was produced for this project, from rough sketches to detailed plans.

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Interiors

Led by the Duke of Portland, who owned much of the neighbourhood, the parishioners erected the present church to Thomas Hardwicke's deign at a cost of £80,000. The new parish church was consecrated in February 1817. Originally a double gallery ran round the entire church. In the south corners were two rooms fitted with fireplaces which served as family pews. A large pulpit and reading desk projected well into the church and the high box pews as well gave it all a somewhat congested appearance.

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Later in the Century

In 1882, with the arrival of an energetic new Rector, the Revd W. Barker, the Church Council decided on an extensive redevelopment of the church, in order, as the Rector said, "to bring it more into harmony with the arrangements and decorations suited to the religious demands of the present day". The necessary funds having been subscribed work was begun in 1884 and a memorial stone, laid by Mrs Gladstone (wife of the Prime Minister) can be seen in the outside wall of the apse.

Thomas Harris

This painting shows a crowd gathered on the New Road on a site which would now be the eastward lane of Marylebone Road, outside Madame Tussaud’s. St Marylebone (then 12 years old) looms in the background.

The new plans were drawn up by Thomas Harris, architect and churchwarden of the parish. The main features of the alterations were the removal of the end wall, the creation of a chancel for a robed choir and a sanctuary within the new apse. Learn more below.

Thomas Harris