Enlargement: St Mark’s Church, Worcester Street, Kingsholm, Gloucester

St Mark’s Church, Worcester Street was built in 1845-7 and designed by the local architect Francis Niblett, whose Fretherne Church was being erected about the same time. Unlike Fretherne, which was fully funded by its incumbent, construction of St Marks, which stood in a densely populated and poor district of the town, was funded by the Diocesan Church Building Association and various grants and voluntary contributions. It therefore proved impossible for Niblett to produce as lavish an interior as at Fretherne.  In 1863-1864 the south chapel was rebuilt.

When Samuel Edwin Bartleet became vicar in 1885 he set about a restoration of the church. New floors, seating and a vestry were added in 1886-1887. Further restoration and alterations were carried out in 1888-90, including the enlargement and heightening of the chancel all to the designs of R W Drew. 

Samuel Edwin Bartleet was vicar of St Mark’s Church between 1885 and 1889. He had previously been vicar of Holy Trinity Shaw Oldham 1866-1875 and 1877-1878, where Drew had provided the designs for the church. It is assumed that through this previous association that Drew was appointed architect for the works at Gloucester.