All Saints, Chigwell Row. Photo: licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
(Grade II, J. P. Seddon, 1867)
All Saints is a bold and impressive church from the height of the Victorian Gothic Revival. Opened in 1867 on the edge of Hainault Forest for the growing population of Chigwell Row, it was a major achievement for local church members, who had previously met in the ex-workhouse or else travelled two miles to Chigwell parish church. All Saints’ designer was J P Seddon, a significant Victorian architect renowned for his ecclesiastical work and closely linked with the Pre-Raphaelites, particularly Holman Hunt, Rossetti and Morris.
Seddon was also famous for his furniture, glass, metal, stone and other design work, and particularly for his church fittings, which could be stunning and decidedly original. The pillar capitals in All Saints are beautifully sculpted, with stiff-leaf foliage curving and intertwining or else sheltering a bird, a snake or a frog. Seddon’s font is outstanding, with stumpy columns, multicoloured marbles and a richly carved frieze binding everything together with splendidly bold foliage and berries.
We are delighted the Secretary of State has agreed our application and has listed the church at Grade II. The listing can be read here.
All Saints, Chigwell Row. Photo: John Salmon licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
