The present church of St. Mary
Abbots dates from 1872, but there have been smaller churches on the site
for over 1,000 years. The present
building is one of the finest
examples of Victorian Gothic style. A list of Vicars dating from
1242 hangs near the Vestry.
The organ was built in 1872, with a few modifications
since, is 4 manual with 3,345 pipes. The pulpit is
dated 1697, and was given by King William III, who lived in nearby
Kensington Palace. It houses the tallest spire in
London as well as fine stained glass windows including the famous “Healing
Window." The 10 church bells
are mostly dated 1772, and are rung by hand every Sunday and
Thursday. The Church
Bells and Bellringers have an excellent reputation.
In 1997 it became a focus of mourners for
the late parishioner, Diana, Princess of Wales, with the lighting of
many thousand votive candles and a remembrance service with over 1,000
people in attendance. The church is only a few short blocks from
Kensington Palace.
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