St Augustine's Church

St Augustine's Church, nestled in the charming coastal town of Ramsgate in Kent, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and a testament to the vision and dedication of its creator, Augustus Pugin. This Roman Catholic church, also known as the Shrine of St Augustine of Canterbury, is not just a place of worship but a beacon of historical and architectural significance.

The Vision of Augustus Pugin

Augustus Pugin, renowned for his work on the Houses of Parliament, dedicated his life to the Gothic Revival movement. St Augustine's Church was his personal project, a labor of love that he funded and designed himself. Pugin's deep devotion to St Augustine of Canterbury, who brought Christianity to England in AD 597, is evident in every stone and detail of this magnificent structure. Pugin began work on the church in 1846, and although he passed away in 1852, his sons continued his work, ensuring that his vision was brought to life.

A Journey Through History

St Augustine's Church stands on a site steeped in history. It is believed that St Augustine himself landed near this very spot, marking the beginning of Christianity in England. Over the centuries, his tomb became a revered shrine, but it was destroyed during the Reformation under King Henry VIII. Pugin's church, therefore, is not just a building but a revival of a sacred tradition.

Pugin's attraction to Ramsgate was multifaceted. He had familial ties to the area through his Aunt Selina and a deep love for the sea. His devotion to St Augustine of Canterbury, who had landed at Ebbsfleet on the Isle of Thanet, just a mile from where Pugin bought land, further fueled his passion for this project. Pugin's home, The Grange, built next door to the church, was completed in 1844, and he moved in with his family. The following year, he began the construction of St Augustine's Church, and by 19 November 1846, he had legally given the project to the Vicar Apostolic of the London District.

Architectural Marvels

St Augustine's Church is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The building is aligned east-west, a traditional orientation symbolizing the priest and congregation facing the sunrise, a symbol of Christ's coming. The church's design had to accommodate a narrow plot, leading Pugin to build right up to the eastern boundary. This resulted in an interesting negotiation with the neighboring plot owner, Matthew Habershon, who made Pugin pay a hefty sum for a strip of land to ensure light for his great east window.

The church's construction began with the schoolroom in 1846, which served as the first public Catholic building in Ramsgate since the Reformation. This building also housed a free school run by Pugin for local children. The main church building followed, with the east range completed in 1846 and the church itself roofed in by 28 July 1849. The chantry chapel, designed by Pugin as his burial place, was a significant addition, and Pugin was indeed buried there upon his death in 1852.

The Cloisters and Chapels

The church complex includes several notable features, such as the cloisters and chapels. The east cloister, built by Pugin, is adjacent to the schoolroom and below the library. The north cloister, completed by Pugin's son Edward in 1860, houses the Chapel of St Joseph and the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, also known as the Digby Chantry Chapel. This cloister contains a set of painted terracotta Stations of the Cross, created by Alois de Beule in 1893.

The west cloister, also built by Edward Pugin, leads from the road to the main church entrance. It features entrances to the Garth and the Digby Chantry Chapel, where brass plaques commemorate the monks who have died here. The church's tower, situated at the junction of the north and east cloister, contains the Sacred Heart altar designed by Pugin's son, Peter Paul Pugin.

The Shrine of St Augustine

In 2012, on the 200th anniversary of Pugin's birth, St Augustine's Church was designated as the shrine of St Augustine of England by Archbishop Peter Smith. This marked the restoration of the shrine, 474 years after its destruction in Canterbury. The priests of the Oxford Oratory donated a relic believed to be part of a bone from St Augustine, adding to the church's spiritual significance.

Visitor Experience

Today, St Augustine's Church is not only a place of worship but also a center for education and research. The schoolroom, once a free school for local children, has been transformed into an Education and Visitor Centre, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other donors. The library, once the private chapel of the abbot, is now part of the Research Centre.

Visitors to St Augustine's Church can explore its rich history and architectural beauty, from the intricate details of the cloisters to the serene atmosphere of the chapels. The church stands as a testament to Pugin's devotion and vision, a beacon of faith and history in the heart of Ramsgate.