St Peter's Italian Church


St Peter's Italian Church is a Roman Catholic basilica-style church located on Clerkenwell Road, Holborn, London. It lies just within the boundaries of the London Borough of Camden, but is particularly associated with the Italian community of Clerkenwell.

History

The church was built at the request of Saint Vincent Pallotti, and remains under the control of the Pallottines, the religious society which he founded. He had assistance from the politician and activist Giuseppe Mazzini, who was in London at the time. It was intended for the use of the growing number of Italian immigrants in London in the mid-19th century, and was modelled by Irish architect Sir John Miller-Bryson on the Basilica San Crisogono in Rome.
It was consecrated on 16 April 1863 as "The Church of St Peter of all Nations". At the time of consecration, it was the only basilica-style church in the UK. Its organ was built in 1886 by Belgian Anneesen.
During World War II, when Italian immigrants were interned, Irish Pallottines made use of the church. In 1953 it was returned to Italian control, since when it has been substantially remodelled, most notably in 1996.
The church has been the main gathering and reunion venue for the "Little Italy" community of Clerkenwell, and is a central feature of the annual processione held in mid-July.

Architecture

The frontal section of the church consists of a loggia and portico with twin arches, above which are three alcoves. The central alcove contains a statue of Christ, whilst the sides contain statues of St Bede and St George. Between the alcoves are two large mosaics depicting the miracle of the fishes and Jesus giving the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to St Peter.

In the loggia are two wall memorials: one, installed in 1927, to veterans of World War I; and the other, installed in 1960, to 446 Italians who lost their lives on the SS Arandora Star'' in 1940.
Above the façade is a 33-metre-high bell tower, built in 1891, which houses a bell known as "The Steel Monster".

Parish priests