St John The Baptist Church,Hillingdon
St. John the Baptist Church, Royal Lane, Uxbridge, Greater London, UB8 3QP
St John the Baptist ,a grade II listed building, is the parish church of Hillingdon and Mother Church to neighbouring parishes of Uxbridge, All Saints and St. Matthews. Records show evidence of a church dating back to the 1100s, reflecting its position as a central place of worship and community for hundreds of years.
Sitting prominently at the top of a hill in the heart of Hillingdon Village, the Church is instantly recognisable by an impressive four-stage tower, rebuilt in 1629, and usually surmounted by a wooden bell cupola. Inside the tower is a 10-bell ringing chamber - one of only 2% of such churches within England - making it an important hub for bell ringing.
The graveyard contains nationally significant tombstones including freed slave Toby Pleasant, who saved his then master from a highwayman, Rich Russell (c1667-1735), grandson of Oliver Cromwell and John Rich, an influential 18th-century theatre impresario who collaborated with Handel and produced John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera in which his performance as Harlequin laid the foundations for the British pantomime tradition.
As well as the church tour,weather permitting,you will be able to follow a trail through our recently restored churchyard and discover a peaceful place and the many fascinating people associated with it.
Children will also be able to follow a trail if accompanied by an adult .
Inside there will be activities for children and a display about the history of Hillingdon Village.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 10pm to 4pm
Location & directions
St. John the Baptist Church, Royal Lane, Uxbridge, Greater London, UB8 3QP
- Directions:
- St John the Baptist Church is on Hillingdon Hill. Car Park is off Royal Lane adjacent to Bishopshalt School. Bus route 427 from Uxbridge or Ealing and A10 from Uxbridge or Heathrow. Bishopshalt School was founded in 1907.The Victorian Mansion was originally constructed in 1858.The school takes its name from the Bishops of Worcester who historically stopped there on the way to London. Opposite the Church is the Red Lion which dates back to the 16thCentury.In 1646 King Charles I took refuge there ,disguised as a servant. Hillingdon Village dates back to the Domeday Book of 1086 ,recorded as Hillendone.
- Contact on day:
- Alan Bradford
- Telephone number:
- +447847672599
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
St Johns is fully accessable inside. Outside the churchyard is not suitable for wheelchair access because of uneven surfaces and the hazard of grave stones. There is a path running through the site which can be used.
Additional information
St Johns is not a museum but a living church serving all who live and work in the parish . It is open daily to all .People have been coming here for over 800 years. The building is used by many local groups and for various community activities. Local artists can exhibit their work in the dedicated Artspace. Jazz musicians meet regularly and an Accordian group to rehearse. A Knitting and crochet group and a Music and Poetry meet weekly. There are various social groups and a dedicated Garden Group who look after the Church grounds.
