Christ Church, Southborough , Kent

Christ Church, Southborough Church

Image Source: Rob Baker

This cross-shaped church designed by architect T.K. Green of architectural firm Archer & Green, was originally built between 1870-71 to cater for the working population of Southborough, a largely 19th century town just north of Tunbridge Wells that was built to house the spa-town's rapidly increasing population. Christ Church cost £2,400 to build and for many years was known as the "Maids' Church" because the congregation consisted the town's poorer people. Southborough's main Parish Church of St. Peter's, had only been built as recently as 1830-31 and was attended by the town's gentry and landowning classes. In 1851 the vicar of St. Peter's, Rev. Stephen Langston, attempted to create more space by proposing the building of a transept. The issues were slightly alleviated in 1860-61 when a Mrs Sarah Pugh provided the funding for St. Thomas' church in order that a more "High Church" style of sacramental worship with a choir could be offered: St. Peter's, despite being attended by the rich and powerful, was largely Evangelical. In 1864 the need for a third church arose again as Southborough's population continued to increase - and according to contemporary reports, church capacity was further reduced due to the style of upper class Victorian-era clothing, with the ladies being singled out for wearing voluminous dresses (crinolines). In 1870-71 Christ Church was finally built to cater for the town's working people with Rev. Langston himself laying the dedication stone; although due to a lack of finances only the chancel, north and south transepts, organ chamber (later a side chapel) and vestry were built. In 1886-88 the nave and north and south aisles were finally added. A dedication stone in the north wall honours Col. W. Ireland Blackburn-Maze and his wife who provided £1,000 towards the building costs which enabled the completion of the church. Built of sandstone rubble with a tiled roof and central spirelet; cast iron columns have been used throughout the church to support the arches. The main entrance was originally the east porch parallel to the chancel, itself with a small bellcote and flèche; but with the completion of the nave in 1888 an entrance porch was added to the north-west side. In 1980 the nave was partitioned so that the west end of the church could be better used for community use. The wooden benches were replaced at this time and the interior carpeted. In 2017 a brand-new annex was built onto the south side of the nave, providing a multi-purpose Parish Hall. Throughout its history Christ Church has always maintained a "Low Church" style of Church of England worship. Text by Rob Baker

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: Not built

Morning Attendance: Not built

Afternoon Attendance: Not built

Evening Attendance: Not built

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Green 1870

Restoration:

Second Restoration:

Notes

Website

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