An attractive church both inside and out. It stands on a corner site and, in consequence, makes an important contribution to the conservation area.  But there is nothing unusual in its design, nothing to set it apart from many other red brick Romanesque churches built in the 1930s.  

In 1931 St Barnabas’ Church replaced the iron church previously used by the parish. It was designed by Wilfred Clarence Mangan, many of whose churches were written up in the contemporary architectural press, most frequently in Brick Builder. It seems that Mangan specialised in brick construction, and the church at Molesey is no exception. The walls are of variegated red brick, the roofs covered with Roman tiles and the style is neo-Romanesque.

The nave and sanctuary are united under one roof, there are aisle passages to either side of the nave, and a gallery and narthex at the west end of the building.  The interior has an open timber roof, white plastered walls and an exposed brick arcade supported by white plastered piers. There is a large framed sculpture of Christ on the Cross mounted on the east wall of the sanctuary.

This is a plain but attractive church, and one that adds character to the conservation area.  No additions have been made to the exterior of the building and, apart from the reordering of the sanctuary, the interior remains largely unchanged.

Heritage Details