19th Century

Led by the Duke of Portland, who owned much of the neighbourhood, the parishioners erected the present church to Thomas Hardwicke’s deign at a cost of £80,000.

The new parish church was consecrated in February 1817. Originally a double gallery ran round the entire church. In the south corners were two rooms fitted with fireplaces which served as family pews. A large pulpit and reading desk projected well into the church and the high box pews as well gave it all a somewhat congested appearance.

Behind the altar hung an oil painting of the Holy Family, painted by the American-born artist Benjamin West (1738-1820), who at that time had lived in Marylebone for many years and was at one time President of the Royal Academy of Arts. His dedication can be read (with difficulty) at the bottom right of the picture. Above this picture was the organ case and console and the choir loft. In 1859, the painting of the Holy Family was scraped and cut by an intruder, who further defaced some of the marble tablets. The painting has been recently restored (2015).