St John the Baptist Church, Eltham
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| St John the Baptist Church, Eltham | |
|---|---|
 | |
 St John the Baptist Church, Eltham | |
| Location | Eltham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | www |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Gothic Revival Early English |
| Years built | 1872-1876 (tower 1879) |
| Administration | |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Archdiocese | Canterbury |
| Diocese | Southwark |
| Episcopal area | Woolwich |
| Archdeaconry | Lewisham & Greenwich |
| Deanery | Eltham & Mottingham |
| Parish | St John the Baptist |
| Clergy | |
| Vicar | Caroline Risdon |
St John the Baptist Church in Eltham is one of five ancient parish churches in the area now comprising the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The current 1873-1875 building by Arthur Blomfield (with a tower and spire added in 1879) replaced a medieval and 17th century one on the site.[1]
Its first known Rector was Adam de Bromleigh in 1160 and a document six years later refers to a "Church of St John of Hautham" being given to Keynsham Abbey by William, Earl of Gloucester, who had founded that abbey earlier in 1166.[2] Puritan Vicar William Overton whitewashed its interior walls under the Commonwealth, whilst works to create a vault under one of the aisles caused the nave roof to collapse in 1667 and the whole structure to be rebuilt in 1668.[2]
Its pews were originally in St Mary's Lambeth, being removed when that building was deconsecrated.[2] It was Grade II listed on 26 March 1954.[1]
