Erection date: 17/7/1992
St John the Evangelist Great Stanmore
On 17 July 1632 William Laud Bishop of London consecrated this church where the people of Stanmore worshipped for over 200 years. This building was left to become a ruin when the new church was built in 1850. Repairs in 1991-2 were funded by St John’s Church; the people of Stanmore, public donations, Harrow Heritage Trust; English Heritage.
On 17 July 1992 David Hope Bishop of London led prayers of thanksgiving for the conservation of the church.
Prebendary Michael H. V. Bowles – Rector
Michael S. Oliver, Ronald E. Price – Churchwardens
Dr. Frederick N. Hicks – Chairman Old Church Appeal
Carob & Partners – Architects
Hibbitt & Sons - Stonemasons
MyLondon informs: "{The old church} gained Grade II listed status in 1951. In 1989, renovation began, with English Heritage providing financial support. In 1991, with sufficient funds promised, the builders and masons moved in. On the 360th anniversary a special service was held inside the ruin." We think that's when the plaque was erected.
Site: Old church - Stanmore (1 memorial)
HA7, Uxbridge Road, St John the Evangelist, Stanmore
The plaque is just inside the ruin, near a locked gate in the south-facing wall. Nearby a modern notice lists the dates on which the building can be visited.
St John's Church gives the history of this ruined church and the current one beside it. But there was an even earlier church. A 14th century church of St. Mary used to stand about a mile to the south, near the Wolverton Road bridge. This was abandoned in 1632 and replaced with St John's, now the ruin on Uxbridge Road. When a larger one was needed in 1850 it was built beside the previous one, which was to be demolished. But local opposition was strong so the destruction was halted, leaving the ruin we have today.
In our researches, when a new church is needed it is normally built on the site of the old one. But they've done things differently in Stanmore, twice.
