Visit Pugin's home, and the magnificent Church he designed as a tribute to St Augustine...
11.45am - 4pm
Meet 11.45 for 12 noon start (outside thePugin and St Augustine Visitor Centre)
Probably one of Ramsgate’s most famous residents, the international architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52), is best known for the magnificent interiors, furnishings and fittings of the Houses of Parliament. Pugin passionately believed that architecture helped the soul. His contribution to the townscape of Ramsgate brought lasting fame to the town and you too can discover the remarkable landmarks both designed and inspired by Pugin.
Pugin moved to Ramsgate with his family in 1843 and having acquired land in the town, designed and built The Grange on the West Cliff overlooking the sea. In his library, he produced much of his finest work. The Grange, now owned by The Landmark Trust, has been carefully restored.
As a Catholic convert, Pugin wanted to design and build a church with his own funds and in 1845 began St Augustine's Church. Not only did he design the church, but nearly all the fittings. It is here in the Pugin family vault, beneath the Pugin Chantry, that he, his wife Jane and other close members of the family were laid to rest.
The Church is also the Shrine of St Augustine of England and a working Catholic church. Arriving on the shores of Thanet in AD 597, very close to Ramsgate, St Augustine had the mission to bring Christianity to the English for the first time. He was successful and his legacy is still with us today throughout art, culture, legal systems, music, and more. The shrine houses a relic of one of St Augustine’s bones.
The Pugin and St Augustine Visitor Centre, an education, research, and visitor centre, aims to increase knowledge and accessibility around two themes: the Victorian architect Augustus Pugin, and St Augustine of England, who brought Christianity to southern English for the first time.
The Tour
The Tour will start at St Augustine's Church - also known as the Shrine of St Augustine - and the National Pugin Centre with a history talk and fascinating guided tour of the site, followed by exclusive 'behind the scenes' access to the extraordinary collection of Pugin artifacts in the company of one of the in-house experts (approx 2 hours).
After that, ther will be approximately 45 minutes for a comfort break, to make a tea or coffee in the Visitor Centre, or have stroll along the cliffs and pop into one of the local cafes for a snack.
3pm: Re-group at The Grange next door to the Church for a guided tour of Pugin's home with its beautifully restored interiors, and Cartoon Room (approx 1 hour).
Getting here
Ramsgate Train Station is served by trains from London Victoria, St Pancras Intl. (fastest option) and Charing Cross.
You can take the Loop Bus (towards Broadstairs) from Ramsgate Train Station (bus stop to the right as you exit the Station). Alight at Grange Road roundabout and the Pugin sites are a 5 minute walk down towards the sea. Otherwise, It's a 30-40 minute walk from the Station to the Pugin sites.
If you prefer to include organised private transport from the Train Station, please add this to your ticket at the point of booking (extra £4 for a return trip). This will depart from the front of the Train Station at 11.25am sharp. If it's raining, please wait in the ticket hall.
There is also plenty of parking available along the Royal Esplanade, close by.
Organised by The Arts & Humanities Society (formerly LRAC)
Tour Guide: Sarah
£18 - £21
Address
Pugin's Ramsgate: A guided Tour of Gothic Revival Art & Architecture (28/05)
The Grange, St. Augustine's Road, Ramsgate
CT11 9NZ
Contact
Links
