St Agnes is fairly typical of an inexpensive early twentieth century brick town church. It serves its purpose well but is of no architectural distinction other than for its modest contribution to the townscape.  

From 1895 mass for the Catholics of the east end of town was said in St Joseph’s School but in 1906 Agnes Zimmermann, a concert pianist, gave the £1,500 needed to build a church. The foundation stone was laid on 28 September 1906 and the church was opened six months later on 6 March 1907. The architect was a local one, Peter Dulvey Stonham (1877-1942).  Later in life he designed the impressive Anglican church of St Elizabeth, now a listed building, in Victoria Drive.

The church is of brick with minimal stone dressings. Nave with aisles, transepts not projecting much beyond the aisles, and sanctuary. The west front, to the road, is dominated by five stepped lancets. The interior is plastered with exposed brickwork to the arcades.

Heritage Details