The church was built mid-way through the 19th century. It is undoubtedly one of the most significant and architecturally important buildings in Wood Green and, geographically, sits in a privileged position at the top of what was once known as Jolly Butchers Hill (now the High Road), visible on exiting Wood Green Tube Station.
Before 1843, the people of Wood Green would walk over to All Hallows, Tottenham but in 1843 they made a request for a church of their own. St Michael’s Chapel of Ease was built to designs by Messrs Scott (later Sir Gilbert) and Moffatt and was consecrated on 3rd October 1844. In 1866 it became a parish in its own right and in 1894 Wood Green gained its independence from Tottenham with the creation of the Urban District Council.
Building cracks and population increase led to the demolition of the old church and a much larger Nave being built in 1859 which is the Nave we see today. In 1871 a new Chancel was added, and a Tower in 1874 followed by a Spire in 1887 designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.
St Michael’s has a great quantity of exceptional quality Victorian stained glass. The West window, installed between 1891 and 1905 depicts the four Archangels – Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. In recent times we have been able to uncover the beautiful Victorian tiled flooring in the old chancel which was previously carpeted.
You can read more about the history of Wood Green and St Michael’s Church online at hornseyhistorical.org.uk/brief-history-wood-green. Alternatively, we have lots of regular parishioners who can tell you far more than the books and websites!