History of St John's

Until the last quarter of the nineteenth century, Caversham largely maintained its rural character. It had a small village centre and several large houses, such as Balmore, Caversham Park and The Hill. However in the twenty years between 1861 and 1881, the population doubled from 1783 to 3583 and by 1901 it was 6580. People were drawn to the area to take advantage of Reading's thriving industries (biscuit making, seed selling, brick making, iron founding and brewing).

The parish church of St Peter's and the chapel at Emmer Green were unable to cope with the numbers wishing to attend Sunday service, and the decision was taken to build a new church in Lower Caversham, St John the Baptist.

The building work was begun on 24 September, 1887, the year of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, on a plot of land which was part of Bryant's Farm.

The church was built of flint with stone dressings in the Early English style by Wheeler Bros, under the direction of the architect, Mr Warren.
Early in 1888, it was decided to add a north aisle to the original plans, thanks to a further donation from General and Mrs Radcliffe of Balmore, who were already generous benefactors. Miss Noble from The Hill donated the font, also designed by the architect.

The consecration of the Church took place on 8 November 1888. Many gifts were received over the first few months including the chancel screen, designed by the architect and given by Miss Radcliffe. Mrs Radcliffe gave the altar rails. Money was raised to purchase the organ, built by F. H. Browne of Deal and dedicated on St John's Day 1889. Mr Warren designed the organ case.

We have recently learned that the chairs were made by West and Collier, Church Furniture makers of Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames.More information about the company can be found at http://www.friethhistory.org/A%20History%20of%20Frieth/117_TheColliers.html

The west window was given in memory of Colonel Radcliffe who died in 1907. The window in the Lady Chapel is in memory of Miss Radcliffe. The east window was a thank offering , given in 1897 by parishioners and friends, for the work of the Vicar and first priest in charge. A brass plate by the West door commemorates Mary Martha Mitchell who acted as caretaker of the church from its dedication until her death in 1920. The war memorial and rood cross were given in 1921 by the congregation to commemorate those who died in the First World War, including nine members of the Bible class.

Outside the church is a Garden of Remembrance, marked by a stone statue of the pelican in her piety, which was added in the 1980s.