All Saints Church, Leamington Spa

All Saints Church stands in the centre of Leamington Spa, just south of the River Leam. The present Gothic Revival building replaced a smaller medieval church between 1843 and 1869 under the direction of vicar John Craig, who often acted as his own architect. It is a grade II* listed building and rivals many cathedrals in size. The churchyard contains graves of the town’s founders, Benjamin Satchwell and William Abbotts. A sculpture called ‘Spring’ now marks the site of Leamington’s original spa spring outside the main entrance. The church is known for its inclusive stance, supporting women’s ordained ministry and equality for LGBTQIA+ people. It hosts organ recitals, concerts and the annual All Saints’ Arts Festival. A lively Ukrainian café operates inside the building Tuesday to Saturday. The choir sings at Sunday and major services, and the church runs a group for LGBTQIA+ Christians called LGBTXians. The pipe organ dates from 1879 and has been rebuilt several times. Inside, visitors find a spacious nave with seating for around 2000 people. The south transept was added in 1867 by architect T C Barry, and a south western bell tower was added between 1898 and 1902 by Sir Arthur Blomfield. The church precincts were redeveloped in 2007–2008. The interior remains in active use as Leamington’s Parish Church.