| Description | The parish of Stanwell forms part of the Upper Thames Deanery of Westminster Diocese. Formerly part of the parish of Ashford, a new parish was erected and a site acquired for a church in 1965. The church was built to serve the rapidly expanding population around Heathrow, and the former village of Stanwell in particular, after the establishment of Heathrow as the major airport for London. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Casey in March 1966, and the church was solemnly blessed and opened by Cardinal Heenan on 15 January 1967 (the proceedings being televised). The church seats about 300 and its layout reflects the ideas that emerged from the Second Vatican Council. The architects were Denny & Bryan of Watford and the contractors Messrs Y.J. Lovell (Bucks) Ltd; the contract price (which also included a presbytery and school) was £74,000. In an attempt to lessen the noise of aircraft, the roof of the church was insulated and the windows double glazed. |