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Roofless church a44_00568
St Johns Church, Waterloo Road, Lambeth, Greater London. Interior view of the bomb damaged remains of St Johns Church, showing the east end, June 1941.
St Johns Church was originally built in 1823-4 to designs by the architect Francis Bedford. It was one of four churches built in Lambeth in the Greek Revival style. The church was damaged by bombs during the Second World War. It was later restored and designated as the Festival of Britain church in 1951.
The negative of this image was destroyed in 1968. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive
Media ID 25129304
Filename: aa44_00568.jpg
Size: 6422 x 4923 (3.0MB)
Date: 18th May 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
1940s Bomb Damage Georgian Parish Church Ruin Second World War Festival Of Britain Greek Revival
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> England at War > England at War 1939-45
> More features > Romantic Ruins
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the haunting beauty of St Johns Church, Waterloo Road, Lambeth in Greater London. The image showcases the devastating aftermath of bomb damage during World War II, revealing the roofless interior and remnants of this once magnificent Georgian parish church. Originally constructed between 1823-4 by architect Francis Bedford, St Johns Church was a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. Alongside three other churches in Lambeth built in a similar style, it stood as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of its time. However, tragedy struck during June 1941 when bombs ravaged the church, leaving it in ruins. Despite this destruction, hope prevailed as restoration efforts took place later on. In 1951, St Johns Church was proudly designated as the Festival of Britain church – a symbol of resilience and rebirth amidst post-war reconstruction. Sadly, the negative for this poignant image was lost forever in 1968. Nonetheless, Felton's photograph serves as an enduring reminder not only of wartime devastation but also of humanity's ability to rebuild and find solace within historical landmarks like St Johns Church.
