Church of St Mary and St Augustine, Stamford

In the heart of Stamford, Lincolnshire, stands a remarkable testament to Victorian ecclesiastical architecture: the Parish Church of St Mary and St Augustine. Known locally as St Augustine's, this church is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history, artistry, and community spirit. Designed by the eminent Catholic architect George Goldie, the church was constructed between 1862 and 1864, embodying the robust High Victorian Early English style.

The Foundation and Exterior

St Augustine's was built on the north side of Broad Street, replacing an earlier Gothic-style chapel on All Saints Street. This new site, formerly the Dolphin public house, was chosen to accommodate the growing Roman Catholic congregation in Stamford. The church’s dedication to St Augustine of Canterbury reflects the pro-English sentiments of its patrons, notably Charles Ormston Eaton and Charles Noel, 2nd Earl of Gainsborough, both influential figures in the 19th-century Catholic revival.

The church's exterior is a visual delight, featuring a nave, a two-bay 'north' aisle with Romanesque arches, a canted sanctuary, a small south chapel with an apse, and a north porch. The accompanying presbytery and parish school, also designed by Goldie and added in 1870, complete the picturesque setting. The Stamford Mercury, in its time, hailed the church as possibly the finest modern Gothic erection in England, a sentiment echoed by many visitors to this day.

One of the most striking features of the church's exterior is its little campanile, described by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as an unbelievable bell-turret. Though Pevsner's review was less than enthusiastic, the campanile provides a focal point for the vista from Broad Street, adding to the church's unique charm. The gable end of the church is adorned with a carving of the Medieval seal of the Borough of Stamford, depicting a burgess kneeling before the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus, surrounded by the Latin motto: Stanford Burgenses Virgo Fundant Tibi Preces.

The Grand Opening

The church was formally opened on June 6, 1865, a grand event reported in detail by the Stamford Mercury. Four bishops, including Roskell of Nottingham and Amherst of Northampton, participated in the ceremony, along with the mitred abbot of Mount St Bernard Abbey and thirty other clergy. The bishops, resplendent in rich copes and mitres, presented an imposing spectacle as they celebrated High Mass with considerable splendour. Following the ceremony, a celebratory lunch was held at the George Hotel, attended by local dignitaries and the architect George Goldie himself.

Internal Furnishings

Step inside St Augustine's, and you'll find a blend of historical and contemporary elements. Despite past attempts to modernize, the church retains several notable Victorian features. A large mid-19th century statue of the Madonna and Child by Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich graces the Lady Chapel, a gift from the recusant Lamb family of Axwell Park. The stained glass windows by William Wailes, installed in St Joseph's Chapel in 1873-4, are another highlight, celebrated for their intricate design and vivid colours.

The church's organ, donated in 1866 by Charles Ormston Eaton, remains in full working order, and the tenor G bell, cast by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough, has been calling the faithful to worship since 1871. The Victorian stencilled and painted sanctuary ceiling, executed in 1874, adds a touch of historical grandeur, with parts possibly designed by Christopher Dresser.

Modern Changes and Restorations

Over the years, St Augustine's has undergone several refurbishments, some of which have stripped away its more elaborate neo-Gothic furnishings. The most significant changes occurred in 1951 and 1982, when much of the original interior was removed or altered. However, efforts have been made in recent years to restore some of the church's Victorian features, ensuring that its historical essence is preserved.

Among the post-war additions are high-quality linenfold panelling, completed in 1945, and hand-carved wooden stations of the cross, donated by American servicemen stationed locally during World War II. These stations serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars, adding a poignant layer of history to the church.

A Living Heritage

Today, the Parish Church of St Mary and St Augustine stands as a living heritage site, a place where history, faith, and community converge. Its walls echo the stories of Stamford's Catholic community, from the days of secret Masses in cellars to the grand ceremonies of the 19th century. Visitors to St Augustine's can not only admire its architectural beauty but also connect with the rich tapestry of history that it represents.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply someone seeking a moment of reflection, St Augustine's offers a unique and enriching experience. As you explore its hallowed halls, you will find yourself transported back in time, witnessing the enduring legacy of a church that has stood the test of time.