The Master Plan

Despite works carried out over the past 40 years, St Anne’s Limehouse is still on Historic England’s register of buildings at risk. Care for St Anne’s is currently raising funds for the installation of a lift, to give access to all levels of the building. We have also raised most of the funds needed for restoring the Great East Window.

However, the interior of the church remains largely unrestored and seriously damaged by rainwater penetration from the parapets. Our next efforts will focus on the significant fundraising needed for the renovation of these interior spaces.

Care for St Anne’s has commissioned John Bailey of Thomas Ford and Partners to prepare The Master Plan, which shows how St Anne's can be sensitively modernised to create spaces that meet the needs of the parish and other users.

St Anne's is an outstanding masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, with Ecclesiastical Grade I listing, so plans take account of the historical significance of various parts of the building and minimise harm to fabric and fittings.

After consultation with stakeholders and approval by the relevant authorities, The Master Plan will guide us through eight years of conservation and modernisation, timed to culminate in 2030, the tercentenary of the dedication of St Anne's Limehouse Parish Church.

 
 
  • The Great East Window at St Anne’s is a huge depiction of the Crucifixion. The window is over 150 years old and badly in need of repair. Our Sponsor A Pane appeal is making great progress and you can still contribute to the conservation of the window by sponsoring an area of the picture.

    The Great East Window

  • We are currently raising the funds for the installation of a lift which will give everyone access to all levels of the building.

    Step free route

  • John Bailey BA, B.Arch, RIBA, AABC
    Director, Thomas Ford and Partners

    John is surveyor of the fabric to Rochester, Wakefield and Guildford Cathedrals as well as Inspecting Architect to many parish churches and is a three times winner of the King of Prussia’s Gold Medal for the repair of historic churches.

    He has spent many hours in a boat inspecting the walls of Bodiam Castle and has also worked at The Tower of London, Windsor Castle and Ypres Tower in Rye.

    A past president of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and past Chair of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, John also has a fine singing voice.

    Thomas Ford and Partners

  • Plans include repairs to the plasterwork, joinery and stonework, and a remodelling of the nave for flexible contemporary use. The programme is at an early stage and has been costed at approximately £1.9 million.