St Theodore's Roman Catholic Church, Hampton

St Theodore's Roman Catholic Church in Hampton is a parish church on Station Road, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is no postcard landmark, but it is an interesting example of modern church architecture in suburban London, with an unusual story behind it.

How did the Hampton parish begin?

Catholic worship here started modestly. In 1897 a local businessman, Michael Farmer, built a house on Avenue Road close to his workshops and set aside one room as a chapel. It was not until 1923 that the diocese bought a property on Station Road, a house known as Walnut Tree Cottage, as the site for a proper church.

Why was the first church a hut?

The first building on Station Road was meant to be a stopgap. It was a timber structure that had previously served as a site office for the contractors who built Wembley Stadium in the 1920s. It was moved to concrete foundations and adapted for worship. Built of wood and asbestos and intended for short use, it served the congregation for close to sixty years. A permanent church was still a long time coming.

Why is it named after St Theodore?

The parish originally expected a dedication to St Winifred, but a nearby church already carried that name and the parish wanted to avoid confusion. The Archdiocese of Westminster was asked to choose a patron, and it picked St Theodore of Canterbury, the seventh-century archbishop who shaped the early English Church.

What does the present church look like?

The permanent church was completed in late 1986, though some sources give 1987. It was designed by Austin Winkley, associated with the practice Williams & Austin Winkley. It was built on a tight budget, which shows in the plain form. From outside it is a rectangular building of pale brick under a large roof that sweeps down low toward the ground.

The interior is thoughtful and welcoming. Four steel beams mark out the central space, and the timber joists overhead are painted a bold blue-turquoise that lifts the whole room. The building is not listed, but it is a good example of modest, functional church design from the late twentieth century.

Is it worth a visit?

For anyone interested in architectural history or places with a good story, it makes a short, rewarding stop on a walk around Hampton. It remains an active parish church, so plan around services and keep noise down inside.

Frequently asked questions

Where is St Theodore's church? On Station Road in Hampton, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Who designed the current building? Austin Winkley, with completion in 1986 or 1987 depending on the source.

Is the church a listed building? No, it has no statutory listing.

Why is it dedicated to St Theodore of Canterbury? The original choice of St Winifred would have caused confusion with a nearby church, so Westminster chose the patron.

Is it still in use? Yes, it is the local Catholic parish church, so please respect service times.