please log in to view this image ONE of Hull's "hidden gems" has joined an elite list of the country's most important buildings thanks to its opulent interior. Historic England has given St Charles Borromeo Church, in Jarratt Street, city centre, a Grade I listing - the highest level of protection. The church boasts arguably one of the most opulent and dramatic interiors of any 19th-century church in England. Decorative work was carried out by Austrian craftsman Heinrich Immenkamp, who lived in Hull, and was inspired by Italian Baroque and Austrian Rococo styles.The classical exterior and grand porch was added in 1894 by Hull firm Smith, Brodrick and Lowther. please log in to view this image The church now joins an exclusive list of Grade I landmarks which includes York Minster and Rievaulx Abbey. Only around 2.5 per cent of listed buildings in England have Grade I status. Heritage Minister David Evennett said: "This church is a wonderful example of the remarkable architecture Yorkshire has to offer. "I am delighted that this upgrade will provide extra protection and also highlights Hull's rich architecture as we look forward to the 2017 City of Culture celebrations." please log in to view this image http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Rema...tory-28860194-detail/story.html#ixzz41yAbhgXi
You do get the impression this status was only awarded due to the COC, which is not a bad thing, but would it have got the status it clearly deserves had we not got the city of culture next year?
Neither did I, that's really why I posted it. It is just off Kingston Square Stan, it looks like a really nice old house, rather than a church. If you click on the link, there's also articles on Hull's best and worst buildings (very subjective, the Lord Line is on both lists).
It is a stunningly beautiful interior something you would never guess by looking at the outside, the detailed artwork is superb.
Managed to retain its identity despite nearby WW2 bombing and aggressive secularism, and now very well attended by Hull's left-footer migrant population.
It was meant to. Catholics were persecuted at the time it was built. The way it was built allowed them to continue going to church without arousing suspicion.
Dunno about 'persecuted'- like anyone else non CoE, they were regarded as an inferior religion but they were allowed to worship otherwise the church wouldn't have been allowed to be built. I reckon worshippers would looked the same as non left footers too. Albion St area was a well to do area back then - hardly a place for a persecuted religion to be allowed to build a church.
Thanks for posting. I must have walked past it a number of times but had no idea it was there. Madd, innit?
I was lucky enough to attend a wedding there over twenty years ago and was bowled over with how stunning the interior was. Also attended a funeral there in January, for the father of the bride. He was christened , married and had his funeral service in the church. He lived in the flats overlooking where LA's nightclub once was.
I've had the privilege of having a few good looks around that over the years for different reasons. If ever you get an opportunity, it's well worth a look. I'm surprised how few people are aware of it. Town Taking Day, which was celebrated for some time in Hull, makes an interesting read on the subject.
Gah! You've made me look that up now.Never heard of the Gordon Riots (of 1780 onwards). I see the church was actually built in 1828-9 - far earlier than seemed in the article. The alterations only came in 1894. It's in great nick considering it's age. It was probably on the edge of town back in 1828.
If you're going to get bummed by the priest, then this is the place. Been in it a few times, not to get bummed though.
I've been in and looked around during the Heritage Open Days - glorious building. I was told a story about it being founded by a chap fleeing a war in (I think it was France) - the guy had a rucksack and his most treasured possession, a painting, strapped to his back - someone took a swipe at him with a sword as he was fleeing and it caught the painting - the painting is hung in St Charles Borromeo with the sword mark still visible. Also, one of the main reasons they believe it escaped bombing during WWI and WWII is because of its close proximity to the old Hull Brewery, which had a large chimney, which the Germans used as a landmark to navigate - so they never bombed it.
