Roman Catholic Church of St Anselm

The Roman Catholic Church of St Anselm is a parish church in Tooting, south London, standing near Tooting Bec on the edge of Balham and Streatham. Built in the early 1930s, it is Grade II listed by Historic England and ranks among the more interesting Catholic churches in south London.

How did the St Anselm parish begin?

The community dates to 1905, when a Catholic mission started in a former Baptist chapel on Balham High Road. In 1909 it became a separate parish, with Fr Charles Donovan as its first resident priest. The dedication to St Anselm was chosen that year, marking the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. The area's name also carries history: after the Norman Conquest the manor of Totinges was granted to the Benedictine abbey of Bec in Normandy, which gave Tooting Bec its second word.

Who designed the present church?

The architect was John Bernard Mendham. A parish committee led by Fr Cornelius Le Warne chose his designs. Construction began in 1932 and the church was ready for use by Easter 1933.

What does the building look like?

The church blends several traditions. Architectural descriptions point to Classical, Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine elements, along with Spanish and Mudéjar influences. This makes it stand out among the typical English suburban streets around it.

The entrance has a Classical Corinthian doorcase with a broken segmental pediment, bearing the papal arms and the date 1933. In the narthex a recess echoes the capitals in St Anselm's crypt at Canterbury Cathedral. The interior is praised for its sense of space and for the quality and completeness of its fittings.

Why visit?

It suits anyone interested in twentieth-century church architecture or the history of London's parishes. It is a working church, so visitors should respect services and keep quiet inside. Check opening times before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where is St Anselm's church? In Tooting, south London, near Tooting Bec and close to the boundaries with Balham and Streatham.

When was the present church built? Work began in 1932 and the building was ready by Easter 1933.

Who designed it? John Bernard Mendham.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed.

Where does the name Tooting Bec come from? From the abbey of Bec in Normandy, which received the local manor after the Norman Conquest.

Can I go inside? It is an active parish church, so access depends on service and opening times. It is best to check in advance.