A Parish Rooted in History and Living Faith

Nestled beside the beautiful Richmond Park, St Ann’s Catholic Church is truly a gem on Kingston Hill. Surrounded by greenery and open skies, the parish offers a peaceful and prayerful environment for spiritual growth. Its proximity to local schools, Kingston University, and generous parking facilities makes it both accessible and distinctive.

Yet St Ann’s is more than a place of worship. It is a welcoming parish family — rooted in history and alive with faith.

A Land Marked by Faith

The story of St Ann’s reaches back centuries. In the 16th century, travellers journeying towards Hampton Court Palace passed through Putney Heath and Kingston Hill. Among the historical echoes of this area is the martyrdom of William Way, executed in 1588 for his Catholic faith. The soil of this region has long known both suffering and witness.

By the 19th century, Kingston Hill had become an area of large estates for London’s professional class. Among its notable residents was John Galsworthy, author of The Forsyte Saga. The presence of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park limited development, preserving the rural character of the Hill.

In the early twentieth century, one such estate was known as “Coombe Leigh.” It reflected the ordered domestic life of the Victorian and Edwardian period — household prayer, Sunday worship, and strong religious practice shaping daily rhythm. Even before St Ann’s was built, this ground was familiar with prayer.

The Need for a Church

In the 1930s, the Kingston Vale Estate was developed and fell under the parish of St Agatha’s Church. However, the church was over two-and-a-half miles away, and transport was limited. Catholic families longed for a local place of worship.

Archbishop Amigo supported the idea of a Mass centre, but plans were delayed by the outbreak of the Second World War and various planning difficulties. The vision persisted through the determination of parish priests, especially Fr Jenner and later Fr John Cremin.

Holmwood – The Turning Point

A decisive moment came in December 1955, when a temporary Mass centre was established at Holmwood, the home of Arnold Brenninkmeyer.

For the next two-and-a-half years, Sunday Mass was celebrated in the library of that house, accommodating nearly ninety worshippers. A private home became sacred space. The Eucharist was offered. A community began to gather.

This act of generosity was foundational. The Brenninkmeyer family did not simply provide convenience; they made parish life possible. Their support extended further.

Coombe Leigh – From House to Church

In 1958, through the generosity of Arnold Brenninkmeyer, the neighbouring property known as “Coombe Leigh” was purchased as the site for a permanent church.

Fr John Cremin secured a loan from the Bank of Ireland despite economic challenges, and construction began in January 1960. The church was completed swiftly, and on 8th December 1960, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the first Mass was celebrated in the new building.

Archbishop Cyril Cowderoy formally blessed the church, marking the beginning of a new chapter on Kingston Hill.

The old Coombe Leigh building briefly served as a priest’s house before being replaced by a new presbytery and parish hall.

In June 1966, St Ann’s became an independent parish, and Fr Joseph M. Sullivan was appointed as its first parish priest. Since then, the parish has been served by dedicated clergy including Fr Michael Gwinnell, Fr Denise Keating OP, Fr Michael Sileshi, and today Fr James Raj.

The spirit of generosity that began with Holmwood continues to shape the parish even today.

St Ann’s Today – A Living Parish

From a home Mass centre in 1955 to a thriving parish today, St Ann’s has grown steadily.

Seating capacity: 210+

Weekend Masses
Saturday – 6.00 pm (Vigil)
Sunday – 10.30 am (Family Mass)

Weekday Masses
Monday – 10.00 am
Tuesday – 7.00 pm
Wednesday – 10.00 am
Thursday – No Mass
Friday – 7.00 pm
Saturday – 12 noon (Pilgrims’ Mass)

Adoration
Tuesday – 6.15 pm
Saturday – 11.15 am

Confession
Saturday morning during Adoration
Other days by request

Parish Life
60+ Club – Wednesday 10.45 am
Wellbeing Session – Wednesday 6.00 pm
Sacramental preparation for children and adults
Youth engagement
Community outreach
Gardening and stewardship initiatives
Regular parish gatherings and shared celebrations

A Story Still Unfolding

What began as household prayer in Coombe Leigh, became Eucharistic worship in Holmwood, and then a permanent sanctuary in 1960, continues today as a vibrant parish family.

St Ann’s stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and generosity. It is rooted in centuries of history, strengthened by benefactors who gave sacrificially, and sustained by parishioners who continue to build community in love and service.

And the story is not finished.

Each Mass, each child baptised, each family welcomed adds another chapter to the life of St Ann’s on Kingston Hill.

You are Welcome

Mass Times and Sacraments