St Mary Magdalene, Paddington

St Mary Magdalene is a Grade I listed Anglican church in the City of Westminster. It stands in Rowington Close, surrounded by Paddington’s streets and squares. The building was designed by George Edmund Street, who called it his masterpiece. Construction began in 1867 and finished in 1872, though a fire delayed the first service until July 1873. The interior took another five years to complete, and the church was finally consecrated in October 1878. The church is recognised for its outstanding art and craftsmanship. Henry Holiday created notable stained glass, while Salviati laid mosaics on the walls. Thomas Earp carved sculptures, and Ninian Comper later added a crypt chapel. A war memorial by Martin Travers stands inside, and the nave ceiling was cleaned and restored in 2018–19 with Lottery funding. An extension now provides community rooms for local groups. Visitors find a richly decorated interior with painted ceilings, mosaics and carvings. The stained glass throws coloured light across the nave and aisles. The crypt chapel offers a quiet space below ground. Outside, the church sits among Paddington’s terraces, close to where films like Secret Ceremony and Les Misérables were shot. Its walls still echo the cultural life of the area.