Key facts
- Denomination
- Roman Catholic
- Address
- Watford, WD18 0PJ
Hertfordshire - Built
- 1889
- Listed status
- Grade I listed
- Architect
- John Francis Bentley
Sources: Historic England list entry 1101104, Wikipedia, Wikidata Q17529154, OpenStreetMap
Before visiting Holy Rood
Service times are not recorded in this listing. We cannot confirm when the next service takes place or whether the building opens outside worship hours.
We do not have confirmed information here about step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing support or supervised children’s groups. If these matter for your visit, ask the church about the specific service you plan to attend.
No direct contact details are recorded. Use the linked sources above or the wider local directory to continue your search.
About Holy Rood
Holy Rood serves Watford’s Roman Catholic community from its site at the junction of Market Street and Exchange Road. Still used as a parish church, it is recognised as a Grade I listed building. Architect John Francis Bentley, later responsible for Westminster Cathedral, designed it.
Catholic worship in Watford began in rented rooms in Carey Place in 1863, led by Fr George Bampfield. A small chapel followed, before increasing numbers prompted a move to Water Lane in 1883. The present church was begun when its first stone was placed on 29 August 1889, with Stephen Taprell Holland providing most of the construction costs. It opened on 16 September 1890 with the nave, sanctuary, transepts and southern aisle finished. The northern aisle, baptistry, Holy Ghost chapel and tower were added later, and the completed building was consecrated in 1900. Repairs in 1966 included replacement stone and interior cleaning, while work in 1990 addressed the flint, masonry and roof.
Getting there
Frequently asked questions
What denomination is Holy Rood?⌄
Holy Rood in Watford belongs to the Roman Catholic tradition.
How old is the Holy Rood building?⌄
The building dates from 1889. It is on the statutory register as a Grade I listed building. The architect was John Francis Bentley.
Other Roman Catholic churches in Watford
More churches in Watford
Nearby churches
Services: Sunday 8:00 AM
About this listing
This listing was put together from publicly available information and has not passed through our submission review process. If you represent Holy Rood, you can claim and update the listing free of charge, and once reviewed we will mark the submission as reviewed.
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