St. Matthew's Church
Architect: John Johnson (1807-1878)
1854
Cobo, Guernsey
Viewed from the rear, showing the apsidal chancel
Many thanks to Rev. Claes Selim (Vicar of St Matthew's) and Peter Guilbert (local historian) for their help.
Other Views and Related Material
Photograph, caption, and commentary by Jacqueline Banerjee.
On holiday in Guernsey as a child, Marianne Carey rested on La Roque du Guet, and noted that there was no place of worship within easy reach of the fishing community of Cobo Bay. Eventually her concern and efforts led to the founding of this beautiful fisherman's church, treasured through generations, and as fresh and bright now as if it had just been consecrated. How Marianne got in touch with a busy London architect is not known, but Johnson's particular interest in fishing must have made him the ideal choice. It was certainly useful in giving the church its unique character, part of which derives from the lovely wooden roofs of the nave and chancel, the latter strikingly reminiscent of the inside of a boat. The design is picked up even in the roof of the porch.
St Matthew's is sturdy, as it had to be in such an exposed spot, and built in the Romanesque style which originated in Normandy. This is very much in keeping with its surroundings, since the Channel Islands, whilst being Crown dependencies of the British Crown, are close to the coast of Normandy and have very strong historical connections with that part of France. Johnson designed the vicarage and lych gate as well, and they harmonise perfectly with the church. Much care has been lavished on every small detail of the interiors, presumably by local artisans working to Johnson's designs: for example, similar patterns of arches, zigzags and circular wood-carving appear in the various church fittings and furnishings; the ironwork on the door and the font cover match well; and, in the vicarage, the well-crafted banister ends with a curious gargoyle-like head.
Can one see the beginnings of the Arts and Crafts movement in a building like this? If so, in what ways? Note that it predates Webb's Red House by only four years.
Sources
Bramall, George M, and Peter Girard. "John Johnson — Architect of St Matthew's" (Church site). Viewed 25 July 2009.
Greenwood, David. Guernsey, Alderney, Sark & Herm
"Marianne Carey: Foundress" (Excerpt from her memoirs on the church site). Viewed 25 July 2009. Last modified 4 August 2009
