8F Gilbert Place, London WC1A 2JD
Holborn / Bloomsbury, Camden
Holborn / Bloomsbury, Camden
Menu
Book Online
St Michael's Church, located on Camden Road in London, serves as the principal Church of England parish church for Camden Town. This neo-Gothic structure, designed by George Frederick Bodley and Thomas Garner, was built between 1880 and 1894 and is noted for its Anglo-Catholic tradition. It is recognized as a Grade II* listed building due to its architectural and historical significance.
The church originated in 1877 as a mission led by Father Edward Bainbridge Penfold, holding its initial services in a building on Camden Road, which now houses a betting shop. Named after the demolished St Michael Queenhithe Church, it was designed to replace this structure as a spiritual center in the area. The church's nave was consecrated in 1881, followed by the chancel and north chapel between 1892 and 1894. Although plans included a north-west tower, it was never constructed. The church has undergone several renovations, including a restored west front in 2005 and a new roof in 2007.
St Michael's stands out with its decorated Gothic style, constructed of brick with stone dressings. The interior is adorned with a stenciled waggon ceiling spanning the nave and chancel. A high altar, complemented by a stenciled reredos, features a depiction of the Risen Christ. The sanctuary includes a threefold sedilia and an Easter Sepulchre. The north chapel boasts a stone quadripartite vaulted ceiling.
Other notable features include a Calvary Scene, a shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in the south aisle, and fourteen Stations of the Cross lining the nave. The west end houses an intricately designed 19th-century font cover. Since 2015, the church has featured a contemporary art installation titled HS by Maciej Urbanek, which reinterprets the image of the Holy Spirit. The work received the 2015 ACE Award for Art in a Religious Context.
St Michael's has actively engaged with the Camden community through ministries supporting the homeless and refugees. It has addressed local social issues and featured prominently in media, including the BBC series The Power and the Glory. The church also hosted the launch of the Faithful Cities report, which was attended by prominent church figures like Archbishop John Sentamu and Rowan Williams.
Over time, the church absorbed the congregations of other parishes, including All Saints, Camden Town, and St Thomas, Agar Town, following the closure or repurposing of their church buildings. From 2003 to 2023, it was part of the Old St Pancras Parish alongside other historic churches, although it has since regained independent parish status.
The church has seen several notable clergy. Father Nicholas Wheeler served as a priest from 1996 until 2008 before becoming a missioner in Brazil. His successors included Philip North, who later became the Bishop of Burnley, and Father Thomas Plant. The church also maintains a connection with St Michael's Church of England Primary School, supporting its educational mission in the community.
Forest & Ray is a private dentist in London (Holborn, Camden) offering a wide range of treatments (basically everything), same-day appointments 7 days a week and affordable prices. The key behind a beautiful smile is self confidence, and success. At Forest & Ray we ensure to help you to the best of our ability. If you place your trust in us, we will make sure you achieve your goals and maintain oral hygiene to the maximum of its capacity. Regardless of any age or condition, we promise painless treatments and a professional team.
