After Fr Richard North asked William Wardell to build the church and for Augustus Pugin to furnish it, they employed skilled craftsmen to realise the vision, and friends and family to cover the costs. Some of their influence and contribution is noted here.
Mother of Canon R. North and J. North. The North family donated the Croom’s hill site for the church.
Raised the money to build the church.
A Catholic convert and prosperous merchant, and his second wife Elizabeth, were the uncle and aunt of AWN Pugin's third wife, Jane Knill, principle benefactors 1845-1851
Cousin of Jane Knill. Son of John Knill (John was also a convert to the Roman Catholic faith). Was the 1st Baronet – Lord Mayor of London 1892-1893.
He commissioned EW Pugin to design and build the Sacred Heart Chapel, and the silver boat. He lived nearby at the Grange. His son then became Lord Mayor of London in 1909.
Known as ‘The Great Woman‘ daughter of Thomas Knill, niece of John Knill. Cousin and friend of Sir Stuart Knill. Third wife of AWN Pugin. Stepmother to EW Pugin and mother to Peter Paul Pugin.
Carved the tomb for Canon Richard North and other intricate
details within the church.
The bell maker circa 1870 for the bell tower.
Minton manufactured the floor tiles of the Sanctuary, Blessed Sacrament chapel and Lady chapel and the Votive Square, all to Pugin’s designs. See more about Minton.
Manufactured the metalwork iron gates, the main window and the windows in BS Chapel. He met AWN Pugin in 1837 whilst working on Oscott College and they became friends. Founding John Hardman & Co. in 1838, and expanding into stained glass in 1845, encouraged by Pugin, who was their chief designer until his pupil Hardman Powell continued on as designer after his death.
Designed the boat lamp, The nephew of J Hardman Junior, he also worked alongside Pugin on other Hardman & Co projects, as he lived at Ramsgate with him. He married AWN Pugin’s daughter, Anne in 1850 and was said to be Pugin’s only apprentice.
Carved the statue of the Virgin with the Child, he was often referred to as Pugin‘s builder, as his knowledge of medieval Gothic made him very capable of working from Pugin's drawings.
Stained glass – designer of some of the windows.
Architects of the 1965 works to the church – organ loft and a cladding over the ceiling and cork tiling floor. New confessional. It is likely that the sanctuary ceiling and arch painting of the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin by Enrico Casolani were painted over at this time.
Produced drawings 2002 to provide Disabled Access W.C. The pinnacle of the spire and finial cross repaired, and roof and tower repairs carried out.
Specification of emergency works to the tower and the Lady Chapel. 2019-20. Phase 1 report for the overall condition of the building.
Programme of Restoration works, commencing 2024 onwards.
The Knill Family Crest found on the Sanctuary wall shows the influence of the Knills.
