Great Ormond Street Hospital: Chapel of St Christopher
Overview
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Building Fabric and Features
Anglican Chapel
19th Century
Historical Notes
1871 - 1876
Period Qualifier: 2
Floor
The mosaic or terrazzo flooring was made by the firm of Antioni Salviati in Murano, Venice
Dome
The central dome of the Chapel is one of its most impressive and eye-catching features. Using giltwork, paint and mosaics, the decoration illustrates a choir of musician angels whilst above the stained-glass windows more angels hold banners of Christian virtues. The apex of the dome depicts the symbol of the ‘The Pelican in Her Piety’; a pelican pecking her own breast to feed her children and often thought to be symbolic of the passion of Christ.
Pillar
The pillars are carved from Devonshire marble, whilst the gilded capitals are carved with mythical beasts as well as an alligator, squirrel, fish, monkey, lion and griffon.
Building Materials
Marble
The pillars are carved from Devonshire marble
Gold
Gilded capitals
Interior
Fixtures and fittings
Commemorative Object
20th Century to 21st Century A collection of soft toys sits on the window ledges of the chapel, left by the children, friends and family of those who have spent time in the hospital, often with attached stories and prayers.
Mosaic
The mosaic or terrazzo flooring was made by the firm of Antioni Salviati in Murano, Venice and is thought to be modelled on that of the Italian basilica St Mark’s in Venice. The entrance mosaic reads ‘PAX’, meaning peace in Latin.
Wall Painting
The north and south walls of the Chapel are covered with large murals showing Jesus with children and animals, entitled ‘Suffer little children to come unto me ’ and ‘Feed my lambs and feed my sheep’. Raymond Lunnon notes these murals contain stylistic similarities to Tenniel’s early illustrations of Alice in Wonderland, which was published in 1865, just ten years before the Chapel was built. The murals either side of the doorway are of St Peter and St Paul with children
Stained Glass (window)
The stained glass and interior decoration was completed by the firm Clayton and Bell. The glass depicts scenes from the bible of childhood and children including the childhood of Christ and the nativity.
Pew (component)
Low, narrow pews
Altar Rail
Plaque (component)
19th Century to 20th Century The chapel contains two memorial plaques. The first J.M. Barrie, reads: ‘In grateful remembrance of Sir James Barrie. Bart. O.M - 1860-1937 – Who, by the gift of his Peter Pan to help sick children and by many other kindnesses proved himself a true friend and generous benefactor of this hospital’. The second is to Charles Dickens, reading: ‘Honorary Governor, inspirer and champion of the hospital – The children’s friend’.
Churchyard
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.