Relatively unknown St. George’s RC Cathedral in Southwark is
well worth a visit. Originally designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin in 1848 but bombed out in
1941. Rebuilt and reopened in 1958, in a stylized Gothic style by Architect
Romilly Craze.
Quite a successful design, Perpendicular/Arts & Crafts
whilst retaining some of Pugin’s original building. The stained glass, apart from
a few small surviving original fragments, is modern with two windows by Goddard & Gibbs, chief
designer John Lawson (a family connection).
Little remains of Pugin’s church but what survives shows
just how much decoration and colour there was
- a stark contrast to the 1950’s building. The Cathedral lacks a tower and spire as money
has never been available to build one which means the building looks unfinished
and does not stand out in its surroundings. If it had one it would get more of
the attention that it deserves.
