Nottingham 
Contents
The Roman Catholic Church of St Barnabas, on the Derby Road, is a large stone structure in the early English or lancet style, which prevailed in the latter part of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The first stone was laid September 29th 1841. It consists of naves, choir, aisles, transcepts and sacristies, is about 180 feet in length, and 80 feet in width at the transcepts. St the intersection of the nave and transcepts is a tower, surmounted by a spire, which rises to a height of 164 feet. At the base of the spire, over the angles of the tower, are four niches, which contain large statues of St Peter, St Paul, St John and St Barnabas; and at the heads of the windows in the spire there are sculptured the heads of the four evangelists. The windows are filled with stained glass. In the centre light of the west window are the arms of the Earl of Shrewsbury, who contributed munificently to the erection of the church; and in the windows of the aisles are the arms of Doctors Walsh and Wiseman, great benefactors to the church. The west front is divided, by buttresses, into three compartments, the centre one containing the principal entrance. There are also porches on the north and south sides. The interior is remarkable for its splendour. The stone pulpit is enriched with foliage and tabernacle work, and is placed against one of the pillars at the junction of the nave and the south transcept. The choir is separated from the nave by a screen of open work. The great rood, or crucifix, rises from this screento the height os 25 feet from the pavement. It has also figures of the Blessed Virgin, and St john the Evangelist, and standards for lights. Above the screen is a figure of Christ on the cross. The high altar consists of a single slab of stone, supported by eight shafts of Petworth marble. Beyond the high altar is the Lady Chapel. On teh north side of this chapel is St Alkmund's Chapel, and on the south side of it is the chapel dedicated to the honour of St Thomas of Canterbury and venerable Bedes. St the entrance, under a covered canopy, is a statue of St Barnabas. On the south side of the choir is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. There is another chapel in the crypt under the choir, dedicated to St Peter, to be used in masses for the dead, the whole being rich in ornaments. The pavement of the choir and chapels is formed of incrusted tiles of various devices and colours. The church of St Barnabas appears to be a strict revival of Catholic antiquity, but being in the first style in which the pointed arch was used, the windows, narrow and sparingly used, give a severity to the exterior.
... in George Street, was erected in 1827, and is now converted into an Infant Ragged and Industrial School.
(The Sisters of Mercy) was established in a commodious house in Upper Parliament Street, in February 1844, but removed in 1847 to a handsome brick building, erected in College Street, behind the Catholic Church, to which is attached a private chapel for the use of the Sisters, 18 in number. Mrs Caroline Borina is the Abbess. There is also a large school for girls adjoining, under the care of these ladies, who are very attentive to the wants of the poor, in seeking out and relieving objects of charity.
... in Spaniel Row, was previously occupied by the Society of Friends. It has been considerably enlarged and improved by the present occupiers. The exterior and interior being much improved, it now presents a very neat appearance. The Rev. C. Orlebar B.A. is the minister.
White's Directory of Nottinghamshire 1853.
[Last updated: Saturday 21st June 1997 - Clive Henly]
© Copyright C.R.G. Henly 1997