Brass Plaque Brass

Islington

Inscription

St Peter's Italian Church - 1863. In 1845 St. Vincent Pallotti a R.C. priest and founder of the S.A.C. (Pallottine Fathers) thought of constructing a church in London for Italian immigrants. The Irish architect, Sir John Miller-Bryson modelled the church on the Basilica of San Crisogono in Trastevere - Rome. It was to hold 3,400 people but was scaled down, at that time it was the only church in Britain in the Roman basilican style. It was consecrated on the 16th April 1863, as the "Church of St Peter of all Nations". The building has an English Heritage Grade II* star listing. Nel 1845 Vincenzo Pallotti, sacredote romano e Fondatore della S.A.C. (Padri Pallottini) volle costruire une chiesa per gli emigranti Italiani do Londra. L'architetto Irlandese Sir John Miller-Bryson prese come modello las basilica di san Crisogono in Trastevere a Roma. Doveva contenere 3.400 persone ma fu molto ridimensionata. All'epoca era l'unica chiese in stile Basilcale romano costruita in Gran Bretagna. Fu aperta a consecrata il 16 aprile 1863 come "Chiese do san pietro per tutte le Nazioni". E un monumento nazionale (Grado II*).

About This Blue Plaque

St Peter’s Italian Church, located at 136 Clerkenwell Road in London’s Borough of Islington, stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of St. Vincent Pallotti, a Roman Catholic priest and founder of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers). In 1845, Pallotti conceived the idea of constructing a church in London to serve the growing Italian immigrant community.

The church’s design was entrusted to Irish architect Sir John Miller-Bryson, who drew inspiration from the Basilica of San Crisogono in Trastevere, Rome. Initially planned to accommodate 3,400 worshippers, the church was eventually scaled down. Nevertheless, upon its consecration on April 16, 1863, St Peter’s Italian Church became the only church in Britain built in the Roman basilican style, earning it a prestigious Grade II* listing from English Heritage.

Clerkenwell, a vibrant area within the Borough of Islington, has a rich history of welcoming immigrants from various parts of Europe. The establishment of St Peter’s Italian Church in this neighborhood not only provided a spiritual haven for Italian immigrants but also served as a cultural hub, fostering a sense of community and preserving their heritage in their new home. Today, the church continues to be a focal point for the Italian community in London and a landmark that showcases the borough’s multicultural tapestry.

The church’s inscription, presented in both English and Italian, pays homage to its founder, St. Vincent Pallotti, and the church’s significance as a symbol of unity and faith for “all nations.” As you stand before this historic building, take a moment to appreciate the tireless efforts of those who worked to create a welcoming space for immigrants seeking solace and connection in a foreign land.