Roman Catholic Church of Christ the King, Plymouth

The Roman Catholic Church of Christ the King in Plymouth stands as a testament to mid-20th-century ecclesiastical architecture and community spirit. Established as an auxiliary church to serve all Plymouth parishes, it was built in 1962-63 with the foundation stone laid by the Right Reverend Monsignor Cyril Restieaux, then Bishop of Plymouth.

Renowned architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, in his final commission, designed this late Arts and Crafts Gothic Revival building, which is celebrated for its refined interior and high-quality furnishings. Christ the King holds the distinction of being the last Gothic Revival church constructed in the Diocese of Plymouth, marking a close to the architectural tradition just as the Second Vatican Council began.

Set in the Hoe Conservation Area on land donated by the City Council, the church became a welcoming space not only for local worshippers but also for visitors and students. In 1988, it gained a new role as the official Catholic Chaplaincy for University of Plymouth students, merging spiritual guidance with social engagement.

The church’s dedication to Christ the King symbolizes the overcoming of darkness through faith, and it emphasizes community fellowship through daily Mass, events, and hospitality open to all faiths. Today, Christ the King remains a vibrant spiritual center, enriched by its unique heritage and connection to Plymouth’s post-war revitalization.