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Ruins of Regent Church
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The ruins of Regent Church, officially known as St. Charles' Church, are located in Regent, a suburb of Freetown on the slopes of the Leicester Mountains. The church was built in 1817 by the Church Missionary Society and was one of the first missionary churches in Sierra Leone. It served the Christian conversion of the local population, especially the freed slaves who settled in the area. The building was made of stone and brick and had a capacity of about 200 people. After a fire in the early 20th century, the church fell into disuse and remained as a ruin. The ruin is now a historic monument and a popular excursion destination. It has scenic views of Freetown and the sea. The site recalls the efforts of missionaries and the spread of Christianity in Sierra Leone.
- Location: Sierra Leone
- Nearby: Goderich Beach (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 2 | 3 | 25 | 136 | 399 | 644 | 699 | 400 | 187 | 71 | 4 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The ruins of Regent Church are a freely accessible historical site in the village of Regent. Visitors can view the church's stonework and explore the surroundings, significant for the history of liberated Africans.
Typical hours
As it is an outdoor ruin, there are no fixed opening hours; the site is accessible at any time during daylight. A visit in daylight is recommended to see the structures clearly and explore safely.
Photography
Photography is permitted throughout the site without restrictions. The ruins offer great subjects for atmospheric shots, especially in low sunlight.
Time needed
Visiting the ruins typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Those wanting to explore the history of the site and the surrounding landscape should allow a bit more time.
Combine with
The ruin is in Regent, about 20 km from Freetown, and can be combined with a visit to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The beaches of the peninsula also make for a day trip.
Getting there
Regent is accessible from Freetown by taxi or bus (Poda-Poda), the journey taking about 45 minutes. The last kilometers to the church are covered on foot or by motorcycle taxi (Okada).
Insider tip
Combine the visit with a trip to nearby Leicester Peak or the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a varied day. Bring water and sunscreen as it can get very hot in the dry season.
Geography
Facts
- The church was built in 1817.
- It is located at an elevation of about 300 meters.
- The ruin is about 20 meters long and 10 meters wide.
- The fire occurred in 1915.
- The church originally had a bell tower 15 meters high.
- The ruin was declared a national monument in 1967.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Ruins of Regent Church (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can one enter the ruins?
For safety reasons, access is restricted.
When should one visit the ruins?
A visit during the cooler morning hours is recommended.
Is sturdy footwear necessary?
Yes, it is advisable due to uneven ground and debris.
Is there parking available?
Parking is limited, usually just on the roadside.
What is the best weather?
A visit is most pleasant during dry weather.
Ruins of Regent Church: where is it located?
Ruins of Regent Church is located in Sierra Leone.
Ruins of Regent Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Ruins of Regent Church: why is it worth visiting?
The ruins of Regent Church, officially known as St.
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