Celebrating long history of Leamington Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, which has existed in Leamington since the 1870s, is seeking contributions to a new exhibition celebrating its long history.


The Leamington Salvation Army corps when based at the Royal Oak site in Park Street

The Salvation Army's 'Leamington Spa Corps' launched in the town on April 6, 1879, and current members want to hear from anyone with past associations with the group.

On Sunday April 28 a special service will be held from 10.30am at their base in Chapel Street, featuring an exhibition of material illustrating its history.

Leanne Wallis from the group said: “In preparation for the anniversary celebrations we are appealing to any one who has photographs or other information about the early Salvation Army work or its personnel.

“We are particularly interested to know which building, if any, the corps used between 1879 and 1885. "We are aware that there are many people living in the Leamington area who have had previous contact or involvement with The Salvation Army either themselves or through friends and relatives.

"We would very much like them to contact us and if possible come along to the anniversary event.”


Members of the corps from 1880, just a year after it was launched in the town

The group began its work in the town in 1879, just one year after the national organisation changed its name from the Christian Mission to The Salvation Army.

In January 1884 it purchased the Royal Oak Inn in Park Street together with its brewing houses and adjacent stables. These building were the demolished and a new ‘barracks’ designed by the Army’s own architect, Edmund Sherwood, to replace them.

The new building was opened in 1885 at a total cost of £3,370 including the cots of buying the site.

To contribute to the exhibition email Leanne.Wallis@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 01926 883309.


The pub which made way for the organisation's new base in the 1880s