St. Andrew's Church
Totteridge

Index

The Building

 The old building

The Churchwarden's accounts and Vestry Minutes record work done on the church from 1613 - a wooden gallery was built, a bell recast, stairs, windows, pews added and so on. The Tower dates to 1706 but in 1790 the complete rebuilding and enlarging of the whole building (apart from the tower) was undertaken. One of the most active members of the vestry was William Manning, Governor of the Bank of England and father of Henry Manning who later converted to the Roman Catholic Church and was made in time a Cardinal.

Changes over the years

Despite the rebuilding several outbreaks of dry rot had to be dealt with. In 1863 hot water pipes were installed to heat the church and in 1869 the eastern wall was taken down and the apsidal chancel built beyond with vestry and organ chambers on the north and south sides. The high backed pews were removed and the present low seats put in their place. The spire, which had for a long time overhung the roof in a dangerous condition, was removed. In 1897 a new vestry was built and the 30 gas burners in the chancel replaced by 6 incandescent burners with 4 more in the nave. Gas continued in use until 1930 when it was replaced by electricity. In 1908 the church was panelled in oak. In 1952 the tower was rebuilt and 2 piers were introduced at the West end of the church to support the weight. The other woodwork there was removed. Later still a vestry room for the choir was added.

View of the Church painted around 1800