By Emily Caulkett-
The Uk auhorities are investigating after a heritage-listed church in north-west London, described as an “architectural and historical treasure”, was destroyed by fire.
Eighty firefighters battled the blaze at St Mark’s church in Hamilton Terrace, St John’s Wood, from 11.19pm on Thursday until it was under control at 2.22am on Friday, the London fire brigade (LFB) said.
The church located in-between Maida Vale and St John’s Wood
Residents were earlier asked to keep doors and windows closed due to the significant amount of smoke produced by the fire.
Plumes of smoke were spotted for miles around as St Mark’s in St John’s Wood was “completely destroyed” in the inferno.
Videos on social media showed the spire being gutted and flames bursting out of the windows as the fire took hold at 11.19pm on Thursday.
Image:Aerial of St Mark’s church in Hamilton Terrace, St John’s Wood Pic:UKNIP
The LFB said it used three ladders, including the tallest in Europe at 64 metres (210ft), as towers to distribute water evenly and extinguish the blaze.
Fire crews from North Kensington, Paddington, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The National Churches Trust had listed St Mark’s as a grade II Victorian church, describing it as an “architectural and historical treasure” which finished construction between 1846 and 1847. It contained “stunning” mosaics by the Italian Salviati family as well as highly decorative marble flooring in the chancel, with the overall Gothic-styled design the work of the architect .
The fire produced a significant amount of smoke in the local area and residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
The floor and walls are decorated with ornate mosaics including multicoloured and gold depictions of Bible passages
Robinson Duckworth was appointed vicar of St Mark’s in 1870 after spending four years as Prince Leopold’s tutor. Prince Leopold also laid the church’s foundation stone when it was built
The National Churches Trust lists St Mark’s as a Grade II Victorian church, containing “stunning” mosaics by the Salviati family as well as highly decorative marble flooring in the chancel.
The Anglican church is located near Abbey Road Studios and Lord’s Cricket Ground, and has links to author Lewis Carroll and Queen Victoria’s son Prince Leopold.