A wonderful building that gloriously stands on the eastern side of Eaton Square, St. Peter's Church - has been called by some one of London's best churches. It was designed by prominent architect Henry Hakewell during the nineteenth century and construction was completed by 1827.
Designed to incorporate the various elements of classic Greek architecture, this building features a spectacular portico - complete with a total of six Ionic-styled columns - and a square based clock tower - which you'll instantly spot as you enter Eaton Square.
Whilst St. Peter's Church, a Church of England church, in its original form, boasted an incredible outer shell - the appearance of which enhanced its already beautiful surroundings - the inside was less grand. The features commonly found during the nineteenth century were present, such as an organ with a position for a choir and a preaching box.
Once the church had been finished it was said to have cost around ?22,427 to construct. In the modern era this church would cost just over ?1.5 million to build from scratch.
Towards the end of century the church was given an update, although none of the main features were massively altered. These changes to this Eaton Square church were overseen by another architect, Sir Arthur Blomfield. He put a Romanesque stamp on the building, but at the same time, he also ensured that most of the building's exterior features at least retained their original classical design.
From this point until 1987 St. Peter's Church remained largely unchanged - enchanting visitors to Eaton Square with its breath-taking architecture.
However, during 1987 the church was targeted by an arsonist - later revealed to hold an anti-Catholic sentiment. The arsonist mistakenly assumed that the church - which by that point had been a landmark for nearly 165 years - was a Catholic chapel.
Sadly all but the original shell of the church was been destroyed. Almost all of its distinctive interior features, as well as the roof had been burned to ashes - a Grade II listed building left in tatters in just a matter of hours.
Recognising the church's importance - both in Eaton Square and in London on a wider scale - the church authorities drew up plans soon after for it to be rebuilt. The architects appointed to carry the redesign of the building were The Braithwaite Partnership.
They extensively redesigned the interior of St. Peter's Church, adding in accommodation for a curate, a verger and a music director, a dedicated meeting hall and a considerably-sized playroom - which could accommodate the youth club. A vicarage and number of nursery school rooms were also added to the building.
Second time around, construction of the building took far less time and by 1991 it was completed - there for all in Eaton Square to see. Most of the original exterior features of the church were kept as they were but the interior underwent a complete transformation - now looking very modern.
A sight for all to behold - not just architecture enthusiasts - St. Peter's Church is a building well worth visiting if you get the chance!
Built nearly 200 years ago, St. Peter's Church is a spectacular Eaton Square building. This article documents its history.