History

Thiis is a brief history of the church and parish.

In the mid-19th century, Ranmore Common was a farming estate.

Thomas Cubitt, the successful master builder who developed many historic parts of London (including Belgravia and Pimlico), purchased the estate for his country residence. His son George commissioned one of the most famous architects of the day, George Gilbert Scott, to build a church here. Gilbert Scott’s work includes the Albert Memorial and St Pancras Station in London and restorations of many English cathedrals. George requested a ‘small scale cathedral’ built at edge of the family garden, and Gilbert Scott obliged with our magnificent church. Built in Gothic revivalist style it is in keeping with his enthusiasm for medievalism.

St Barnabas Church was consecrated in 1859 to serve the estate and still stands as it was at consecration, complete with a 45m (150 feet) steeple, fine ring of eight bells, and original Walker organ.

It is graded nationally as II* Listed Building. Further information on the church and the social history of the parish can be found here.

The design of the building reflects the neo-Gothic tradition that dominated church building in the Victorian period. Features of this style include the marble chequer board sanctuary, the dominance of the altar at the east end of the church, and the stained glass windows.