Open House Festival

St Mark's Church, Biggin Hill

religious

Richard Gilbert Scott, 1959

St Mark's Church, 10 Church Road, Biggin Hill, TN16 3LB

The Moving Church. On his appointment to Biggin Hill in 1951, Rev Vivian Symons had the vision to bring the materials for a new church building from the disused All Saints, North Peckham. But first, he had to deconstruct a huge Victorian church, and bring it by himself to its new site. However, St Mark's is Grade 2 listed, not because of its origin, but due to its style.

Getting there

Train

Bromley South

Bus

246, 320, 464

Access

Facilities

Accessibility notes

There is a car park with disbled bay , and lots of on-street free parking. We have two entry routes for wheelchairs.

What you can expect

This church building feels calm inside, with comfy chairs. We will also be offering refreshments.

About

Architectural style

THEN and NOW:
The Victorian Gothic church of All Saints, North Peckham, stood in Davey Street SE15 from 1894 till 1952, with seating for 800. However, it had become disused before WW2. Having gained permission from church authorities, Rev Vivian Symons brought to Biggin Hill 125,000 bricks, 200 tons of stonework and all the timbers of the original building for the construction of a new church in Biggin Hill.

The design of St Mark's was to be completely different. The Moving Church has a unique form: a modernist building designed by George Gilbert Scott & Partners (a first commission for Richard Gilbert Scott). The external perpendicular style with tall stone window mullions masks the delightful internal barrel-vaulted roof structure and is a wonderful example of the architect’s style. When you enter the building, the effect is amazing.

Online presence

www.movingchurch.org

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