Church of St Thomas of Canterbury

Church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Fulham, west London, is a Roman Catholic parish church and a rare complete work by the Gothic Revival architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. It is Grade II* listed, which puts it among the most significant historic buildings in the capital. It stands on Rylston Road, a short walk from Parsons Green and Fulham Broadway.

Why is this church worth visiting?

Pugin is best known for his work on the interiors of the Palace of Westminster, but he also designed churches across Britain and Ireland. St Thomas of Canterbury is usually described as his only complete parish church in London. It shows his belief that a church should be built in the English Gothic style of the late 13th and early 14th centuries, rather than in classical forms. For anyone interested in Victorian architecture or the revival of Catholic life in England, it is a very good place to see those ideas in one building.

How did the church come to be built?

The Catholic community here began in the 1840s. In 1842 a priest, Fr William Kelly, started a mission in Fulham, opening a school and a place for Mass in a rented room near Parsons Green. At that time Catholics were still a small minority in the area, and the mission grew slowly.

The permanent church was founded through the generosity of Elizabeth Bowden, who funded it in memory of her husband. The foundation stone was laid in June 1847, and the church opened the following year, in 1848. The dedication to Thomas of Canterbury, the medieval archbishop and martyr, fits the English Gothic character that Pugin wanted to revive.

What does the building look like?

From Rylston Road the church presents three gables to the street, with a tower and spire at the north-west corner. The design follows the decorated Gothic of the late 13th and early 14th centuries, with pointed windows and carefully worked stone detail.

Inside, the nave is lined with circular columns, and the chancel has no chancel arch, so the space flows toward the altar without a dividing frame. Stained glass by Hardman, the Birmingham firm that worked regularly with Pugin, is part of the original scheme, though glass has had to be replaced over time.

What has happened since?

Like many London buildings, the church suffered in the Second World War, when its windows were damaged and later replaced. In the 1970s the interior was reordered, a change that altered how some parts of the building are used. The church was later restored, and in 2006 it was re-dedicated after work meant to bring back the character of Pugin's original design. A new altar, modelled on the carvings of the 19th-century interior, was consecrated at that time.

Practical tips for visitors

• Getting there: Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green are the closest Underground stations, and both are within walking distance.
• Visiting: This is an active parish church, so check service times before you go and be respectful during Mass. Visits outside services depend on the parish's opening hours.
• Combine with: A walk through Fulham pairs well with the nearby Parsons Green area and the riverside paths of the Thames.
• Photography: The exterior is best seen from Rylston Road, where the three gables and the tower can be viewed together.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Fulham? A.W.N. Pugin, the leading figure of the Gothic Revival in Britain.

Is the church listed? Yes. It is Grade II* listed, a category reserved for particularly important buildings.

When was it built? The foundation stone was laid in 1847, and the church opened in 1848.

Who paid for it? Elizabeth Bowden funded the church in memory of her husband.

Is it the only church of this name in London? No. There is also a church with the same dedication in Woodford Green, so check that you have the Fulham one when planning a visit.