The Venues
About
St John's Church & Holy Trinity Church, SE20
St John's Church,
High Street,
Penge SE20 7EQ
Penge Music's Coffee Concerts are based at St John's Church, Penge, one of the area's most distinctive Victorian landmarks. Built in 1847, it was designed by architects Edwin Nash and J. N. Round and has been Grade II listed since 1990 in recognition of its architectural and historic importance.
Constructed from rugged rock-faced Kentish ragstone, the church is an impressive example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Its construction was largely funded by John Dudin Brown, a prosperous Thames wharfinger whose generosity helped establish a permanent place of worship for the growing community of Penge.
The church was enlarged during the nineteenth century as the congregation expanded. Gabled aisles were added in 1861, followed by transepts in 1866, creating the spacious cruciform plan seen today. Inside, visitors are greeted by a striking interior with soaring open timber roofs, particularly above the transepts, where eight great beams converge dramatically at the centre to create one of the church's most memorable architectural features.
Among the church's artistic treasures are its beautiful stained-glass windows, including the King Edward VII Memorial Window, designed by William Morris & Company and installed in 1910. These windows contribute significantly to the church's character and reflect the craftsmanship of one of Britain's most celebrated decorative arts firms.
St John's has also witnessed moments of wider historical interest. In 1865, the renowned African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge married his second wife at the church, adding an unexpected international connection to its rich history.
Today, St John's continues to serve the local community while offering a remarkable setting for concerts and cultural events. Its warm acoustic, impressive Victorian architecture and rich heritage make it one of the most attractive historic churches in the London Borough of Bromley.
For more information on either venue please contact us pengemusic@gmail.com
Holy Trinity Church,
66 Lennard Road,
Penge SE20 7LX
Penge Music's Open Monday events are based at Holy Trinity church, on Lennard Road, Penge. It has been at the heart of the Penge community since its foundation in 1878. The church was built through the generosity of Sir Francis Peek, a member of the renowned Peek Frean biscuit family, who financed its construction as a memorial to his parents. Designed by architect E. F. Clarke, the church is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture, with its elegant spire added in 1883, creating a distinctive landmark on the local skyline.
For more than a century, Holy Trinity served as a thriving parish church, welcoming generations of worshippers and becoming an important centre of community life. In 1993, the building suffered a devastating arson attack that caused extensive damage to the church. Rather than abandoning the site, the congregation embraced an imaginative restoration project that preserved the historic building while adapting it for modern community use.
Reopened in 1997, Holy Trinity was thoughtfully reconfigured. The roofless sanctuary was transformed into a tranquil Prayer Garden, offering a peaceful place for reflection beneath the open sky. The remaining body of the church was sensitively remodelled to provide flexible worship space, community halls and offices, enabling the building to continue serving the needs of local people.
Today, Holy Trinity is known not only for its architectural heritage but also for its strong commitment to community outreach. It is home to Living Well, a local charity supporting individuals and families experiencing hardship through food provision, practical assistance and pastoral care. Alongside regular worship, the church hosts concerts, community events and educational activities, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming presence in Penge.
Blending Victorian heritage with innovative restoration and a continuing commitment to serving its neighbourhood, Holy Trinity Church stands as a testament to resilience, generosity and community spirit.
