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Holy Trinity Upper Tooting

The church with the open doors

History of Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity about 1860HolyTrinity1860

Holy Trinity was built in 1855 as the area around, which was still largely rural, began to be developed. The architect was Anthony Salvin. The original building consisted only of the nave, sanctuary and narrow side aisles. The tower was added in 1860.  


GlenburnierdhallParish hall, Glenburnie Road, 1896

Over the next few decades, Upper Tooting became densely built up. Towards the end of the 19th century the church was substantially enlarged through extending the aisles and adding a transept and vestries and creating the side chapel. A separate parish hall was built in Glenburnie Road in 1896. Most of the church furnishings, such as the alabaster and stone pulpit, the brass lectern, and choir stalls date from this time. One Sunday in 1895, over 3,500 people worshipped at the church, the biggest congregation ever.

There were few changes to the building for the next seventy years, but major changes took place in the 1970s. New halls were created in the 1970s, 80s and most recently in 2013. There was substantial modernisation in the 1980s, when the current entrance lobby was created. Kitchen and toilet facilities have been installed and have been upgraded several times. These additions and adaptations have enabled the church to respond to the changing needs of congregation and community. 

glassdoorImage of the Trinity on the glass doors designed by Gabrielle Preedy, a parish member, 1980s

There were few changes to the building for the next seventy years, but major changes took place in the 1970s. New halls were created in the 1970s, 80s and most recently in 2013. There was substantial modernisation in the 1980s, when the current entrance lobby was created. Kitchen and toilet facilities have been installed and have been upgraded several times. These additions and adaptations have enabled the church to respond to the changing needs of congregation and community. 

The tower underwent a major programme of restoration in 2019/20, principally to restore flaking stonework caused by decades of wind, rain and pollution.