My mom was born in London in 1918. The only document I have is her baptismal certificate for a Church in London. I have the name of the Church and the address. When googling it, I get nowhere. Is there any office in London that may help me see if the Church still exists? I understand addresses change over these many years too, so the original address may have changed. Anyone out there with any suggestions for me?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32809 posts
which church, what address? Remember that lots of London, particularly the East End, was flattened by the Blitz.
Posted by
OP
Marysville, WA, USA
41 posts
The name of the church is "Church of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St. pancras" , Little Albany Street, N.W.1. She was baptized on 16 March 1919. I have a letter that says the church is now Saint Anne's, Seaton Place, N.W.1. This letter was dated 18 October 1949, that said the church's name was changed to St. Annes's. The letterhead gives this name: The Presbytery 58 Clarence Gardens Regent's Park London, N.W.1
England That is all I have. My mom passed away last June. She was born 30 July 1918, and left London very young and was raised in Vancouver B.C., Canada. I really would like to find where the church is, or was. I hope you have some guidance for me. Thank you.
Posted by
Land of La
8682 posts
Was the parish Anglican, Catholic? If you knew the denomination you might be able to contact the appropriate Archdiocese and inquire there.
Posted by
OP
Marysville, WA, USA
41 posts
I believe it was, but not sure. Thank you. I will keep trying. I found a church on Albany St, that is now closed, but there was link to contct them. I sent them an email inquiring about the history of the church. I will hopefully get a response.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5530 posts
There is a health club on Little Albany Street that indicates that it is in a converted church. www.thealbanyclub.co.uk Do you think this might be the building?
Posted by
Washington, DC, USA
571 posts
On Google books, they have digitized the pages of a book titled The Life and Labour of the People in London, edited by Charles Booth. (London, 1902: MacMillan & Co.) On page 215 of that book churches are listed by parish, among them "Queen of Martyrs of St. Pancras (R.C.), Little Albany St." If that is the same church, you should indeed search the Catholic records for the church history. The digitized book itself appears to be a listing of houses of worship in London north of the Thames River and describes the various neighborhoods they were in, but I didn't have time to search it thoroughly. It might be interesting to you. I found it on Google by searching the full name of the church as you listed it in your initial question.
Best of luck
Posted by
OP
Marysville, WA, USA
41 posts
That is awesome Matt. That is the closest match and it sounds like it might be it. I will check it out. Thanks everyone. You have so helpful. This means so much to me!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5530 posts
Here is one more reference that refers to it. Good Luck. http://archive.catholicherald.co.uk/article/18th-june-1937/15/londons-smallest-parish-church-its-passing-commemo