The Wider Parish
During the 19th century, the population of St
George’s parish grew rapidly and became very dense. In response,
the ancient parish was divided up into an increasing number of
smaller parishes.
As population levels began to fall again, from the middle of the present century, these Victorian churches have gradually been closed and their areas re-absorbed into the main parish. They have left behind them a varied inheritance.
- Our Church Halls occupy the former premises of St Michael’s Church in Lant Street. The two Halls are now used by a wide range of community groups, and the offices above are occupied by the Race Relations and Ministry Development teams of the Diocese of Southwark.
- The Rectory was built on the site of the former St Stephen’s Church, Tabard Gardens.
Our parish school is called St Jude’s, and was attached to the former church of that name. It is a Church of England primary school, in Colnbrook Street, in the south of the parish. It serves the local community, and is close to full capacity at the present time.
The last church
to be closed was St Alphege, Lancaster Street. This was demolished
at the beginning of the 1990s. However, a place of worship has
been retained, in the building of the former St Alphege Hall,
in Kings Bench Street. Here a congregation continues to meet
for weekly worship. Housing on the same site is now home to two
clergy, with non-parochial jobs, who are linked with the parish.
St Alphege also houses the office of the United Charities of the Parish of St George the Martyr. This charity, formed from various funds which were once attached to the former civil parish of St George’s, exists mainly for the benefit of elderly people in the local area. It pays small pensions, and organises holidays and Christmas benefits. (Further information is available from the Clerk on 020 7401 3829)