Workington St John's Church (original) (raw)
Grid Ref NY 004285
Washington St, Workington
St John’s Church was built in 1823 to commemorate the battle of Waterloo, to a design by Thomas Hardwick. It is built of local sandstone, and bears some resemblance to Inigo Jones’ St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, London. The tower was added in 1846.
Inside note the use of thin cast iron columns to support the gallery. The present interior renovation was completed in 1931, by Sir Ninian Comper (1864-1960). This involved the repositioning of the sanctuary to the West end. This is the focal point of the Church, that draws the visitor’s attention. The canopy is guilded with 9ct gold, and the alter ornaments represent Our Lord as the Light of the World. The west window, one of only two stained glass windows, was designed by Comper, who had studied stained glass with Charles Kempe. The Greek words above the alter are from the opening of St John’s gospel.
There are 16 shields on the ceiling representing the Coats of Arms of York, Chester, and various local families, and in the Church are a number of plaques commemorating Workington men who died in World War I. The organ was formerly in the chapel of Workington Hall and was a gift of Mr John Christian Curwen in 1826.
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