St Bartholomews Verified listing

St Bartholomew’s Church in Brighton, built between 1872 and 1874, is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Designed by Edmund E. Scott and funded by the Rev. Arthur Wagner, it was constructed in an Italian Gothic style using multicoloured brickwork, patterned designs, and Portland stone. Towering at 135 ft (41 m), it is the tallest parish church in Britain and its sheer scale has earned it a reputation as one of Europe’s great examples of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture.

The church’s vast interior is equally impressive, adorned with Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts fittings. Highlights include the soaring Byzantine-style baldachino above the high altar, crafted from marble and alabaster with a shimmering mosaic ceiling, along with the silver-plated Lady Altar and marble pulpit. Decorative mosaics, mother-of-pearl detailing, and Stations of the Cross from Bruges enrich the space further, creating a dramatic yet deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Today, St Bartholomew’s remains an active Anglo-Catholic parish, known for its solemn liturgy and outstanding choral tradition. The church regularly hosts services with music ranging from classical works by Mozart and Beethoven to sacred polyphony by Palestrina. Open most days for prayer and visitors, it continues to serve both as a place of worship and as a cultural treasure—drawing those interested in faith, music, and Brighton’s rich architectural heritage.