All Saints Church is one of Newham's finest buildings which dates
back a thousand years. To many in this area, it is
known affectionately as the Cathedral of the East End
- and rightly so. This dignified building has watched
over the great developments of our history. Once associated
with Stratford Langthorne Abbey, it has been linked
with the crown both in fact and legend. It is said
that Henry VIII used to visit the church with Anne
Boleyn on their visits to the Abbey.
The Abbot of the Abbey
was originally the patron of the church and one of
the Abbots baptised Queen Elizabeth I and also went
to Greenwich to welcome Anne of Cleves in 1539. The
church witnessed the plague and the Great Fire of
London would have been clearly seen from its majestic
tower. Charles Dickens used to set his watch by the
time on the church clock - the mechanism is thought by some to be the prototype
of the world's most famous clock - Big Ben, at Westminster.
The earliest schools were built within the churchyard
and many daughter churches were established throughout
Newham. The parish boundaries now include Pelly Road, Ham Park Road, Vicarage Lane, Maiden Road, West Ham Lane, Paul Street, and the railway line to the south.
Within the church there is much to explore - the monuments and tower, the organ, the architecture which traces changing styles (each generation has left its mark on the church) and there is much to enjoy - concerts, social events, festivals, quiet days and of course the love of God and fellowship amongst our Christian congregation.
Please explore our website - there is much here too: pictures and prints of our lovely building, photos of our parish life and details of services and events. Take a look at the zones - eg Faith and prayer - where we hope you will find some spiritual help and guidance. Learn about our parish groups and events and our plans for the future of the building.
Why not pay us a visit? Come and join us, become part of our community and help us to celebrate the Lordship of Christ in the wonderful diversity of Newham.
