The Church
Chelsea Old Church is a parish in the Diocese of London which is part of the Church of England. It is located on the corner of Old Church Street (SW3 5DQ) and the Embankment.
The Parish Office, 64 Cheyne Walk, SW3 5LT, entrance at the back of the Church. Contact 0207 7951019 or office@chelseaoldchurch.org.uk.
Our services follow the Book of Common Prayer and (apart from the Cromwell period) they have done so since the days of Queen Elizabeth I. Our Bible readings are usually from the Authorised Version.
The Church can also be used for concerts and other similar public events, also Petyt Hall, for more information click here and/or contact the Parish Office or email- hall@chelseaoldchurch.org.uk
"I have built a great many new churches and restored many old ones, but for worship I like the Old Church at Chelsea" - Sir Gilbert Scott (1811-1878).
On the night of 16/17 April 1941 a parachute landmine fell near by and the blast blew the Tower, at the west end, over onto the Church destroying most of it, but the More Chapel at the east end suffered least damage. Many of the memorials were shattered but were painstakingly pieced together and can now be seen restored in the Church.
The Church was rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1958, the Vicarage and Petyt House were demolished and replaced with a new Vicarage and Church Hall, called Petyt Hall, opened in 2002. The buildings were designed by another John Simpson - who was also the architect for the picture gallery at Buckingham Palace.
An important history of the Church has been published. It is called "Chelsea Old Church, The Church that would not die". It is written by Alan Russet and Tom Pocock and the foreword is by John Simpson CBE, world affairs editor of the BBC. The book is lavishly illustrated and costs £25 and on sale in the Church.
The Church will be open on Sunday afternoons (1.30-5.30pm) with Guides available to show you round and answer questions
Petyt Hall entrance at Cadogan Gate, Cheyne Walk.
There is a Church in Chelsea, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA dedicated to St. Luke, that was called a daughter church by Rev. W. H. Stewart, a previous incumbent (1916-26). In 1911 a block of stone from Chelsea Old Church was incorporated into the narthex of the Massachusetts Church.
The brass plaque reads: This stone having been consecrated to the service of Almighty God and used for many centuries as part of the Old Church in Chelsea, England which for over two hundred years was dedicated to St. Luke is a gift from the Incumbent of that Church to St. Lukes Church Chelsea Massachusetts
YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
Are you able to help by setting up a standing order with your bank? This can be monthly, quarterly or annually for an amount of your choosing; every penny will be so gratefully received.
Standing orders and one off donations can be set up easily, please contact Laura Tomlinson, Stewardship Secretary at laura@lauratom.com.
For any queries, please write to Laura Tomlinson at Chelsea Old Church, 64 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LT or email giftaid@chelseaoldchurch.org.uk
Thank you very much for your support.
Registered Charity 1135101
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH ALL SAINTS CHELSEA
New Prayer Books
We are excited to announce that new Prayer Books have been generously donated and stamped with our church logo. You can dedicate one of these beautiful books to your departed loved ones by purchasing a bookplate. This is a wonderful way to remember them in church for years to come. Bookplates are available for £30 each or five bookplates for £100. Please speak to one of our Churchwardens or email the Parish Administrator to purchase.
The Church before the Blitz
The Church after the Blitz
The Church now.
Chelsea Old Church stone incorporated into St Luke, Chelsea MA USA
Brass plaque above the stone
War damage
Riverside1860
Riverside whilst building the Embankment