St John the Baptist, Holland Road
A magnificent Grade I listed church, designed by Brookes, with fantastic sculpture by Taylerson. Complete as a vision, it draws the visitor in.
About this building
The narthex with the sculptures of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, leads through a carved screen into the nave. There a series of polychrome angels support the light fittings. There is a set of 12 mosaic stations of the cross, and a wonderful series of stained glass windows. Of particular interest in the nave are the pulpit, of Algerian marble, the double ambos, and the font with its series of reliefs of four of the sacraments. The rood screen is decorated with the 12 apostles, and angels holding the instruments of the passion. The screens to the north and south are equally fine. The Choir focus' on the Te Deum in its decoration, before leading to the sanctuary which is a depiction of the Heavenly Jerusalem. The stone reredos depicts the elders of the church, worshipping the Lamb. Angels distribute Holy Communion to the heavenly host. To the South the Lady Chapel has a carved and painted stone reredos with four panels depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin, and the carved and polychrome altar is unique. To the North the chapel of St Peter and Paul leads to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel with its fine stained glass and other decoration.
