Hull, Yorkshire

St Charles Borromeo

JohnLord
YorkshireHULLStCharlesBorromeo(johnlordCC-BY-2.0)1
RichardCroft
YorkshireHULLStCharlesBorromeo(richardcroftCC-BY-SA2.0)1
JohnLord
YorkshireHULLStCharlesBorromeo(johnlordCC-BY-2.0)1
RichardCroft
YorkshireHULLStCharlesBorromeo(richardcroftCC-BY-SA2.0)1

This Catholic church began life as a chapel, paid for by a priest (possibly an aristocrat) fleeing the French Revolution.

About this church

Its wonderfully colourful and decorative interior, inspired by the Austrian Rococo and the Italian Baroque, developed over most of the 19th century with an increasingly flamboyant vigour. It could not be guessed at from the rather sober and restrained facade that greets visitors on Jarratt Street.

Almost every surface is exuberantly embellished, dramatically lit by shafts of light from the upper windows and dome.

The altar depicts scenes from the life of St Charles Borromeo, the 16th century Archbishop of Milan; and a stunning painted and sculpted set piece above it, created by Heinrich Immenkamp, an Austrian craftsman living in Hull. It shows the then parish priest on his way to heaven at the Last Judgement.

Key Features

  • Captivating architecture
  • Glorious furnishings
  • Social heritage stories

Visitors information

  • Level access to the main areas
  • On street parking at church
  • Parking within 250m
  • Accessible toilets nearby
  • Dog friendly
  • Walkers & cyclists welcome
  • Space to secure your bike

Other nearby churches

AmandaHabergham
YorkshireHULLStMaryVirgin(amandahaberghamPERMISSIONBYEMAIL)1

St Mary the Virgin

St Mary the Virgin, Lowgate, Hull, is an ancient church dating back to the early 14th century, although it is believed a chapel may have existed on the same site before this.

YorkshireHULLHullMinster(explorechurches.org)1

Hull Minster

At over 700 years old, Hull Minster is as old as Hull itself as since the 13th century we have been a constant presence in the city centre and some say the history of the city is literally written in our walls.

St Ninian & St Andrew

Welcome to the church on Chants. Over 350 years of the Reformed Faith in Hull. It’s more than just a place for worship!

CumbriaCARTMELCartmelPriory(explorechurches.org)48

Keep in touch

We'd love to keep you posted when we add new churches, trails and inspiring ideas for places to visit. Sign up to our monthly five minute update.

Sign up here
LincolnshireWRAGBYAllSaints(explorechurches.org)11

Please support us

ExploreChurches has been developed by the National Churches Trust using our core funds. Please consider making a donation or, even better, become a Friend of the National Churches Trust.

Donate today
PROJECTWebsiteDevelopment(sarahcrossland)1

Add your church

Your church is unique, we would love to include it on ExploreChurches. It's quick and simple.

Add your church

Help support ExploreChurches by becoming a Friend of the National Churches Trust