Our Lady of Lourdes

History

Our Lady of Lourdes was constructed to serve the Bedgrove housing estate, southwest of Aylesbury’s town centre. The parish acquired the land for £9,000 in 1966, with construction commencing in 1968. The building was built by Crendon Concrete and opened on 9th July 1969 with a blessing ceremony.

Initially staffed from St Joseph’s in central Aylesbury, Our Lady of Lourdes achieved independent parish status by 1970. A presbytery was established in nearby Pevensey Close to serve the growing community.

The church is a striking example of post-Vatican II architecture — a polygonal plan with portal frame construction. Reinforced concrete piers rise Pantheon-like to a large central oculus, creating the primary design feature that fills the interior with natural light. A continuous clerestory runs around the main space, while brick walls between piers receive illumination from both the high-level windows and the central opening.

The interior comprises a single, undivided space reflecting the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, which emphasised the gathered community around the altar. Traditional wooden benches salvaged from another church provide the seating. Lower sections at the entrance contain a lobby and a separate chapel for quieter devotion.

The church underwent formal consecration on 8th July 1994, twenty-five years after its original opening — a ceremony marking the completion of parish debts and the permanent dedication of the building to the worship of God.

Parking & Accessibility

Generous car park at the front of the church off Cambourne Avenue. The church has level access throughout and is fully wheelchair accessible.