About The Rock Sanctuary

About
The Rock Sanctuary

A historic place. A shared future.

Our Story

The Rock Sanctuary is a new multi-faith community and cultural initiative based in the former St Andrew's Church in Governor's Parade, Gibraltar.

The project seeks to give this historic building a renewed purpose, creating a place where people can come together across religious, cultural and social boundaries.

Inspired by Gibraltar's long tradition of cultural and religious diversity, The Rock Sanctuary aims to encourage meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and a greater appreciation of the values and experiences that connect us.

The Sanctuary is intended to be a place of openness and discovery — where differences can be explored respectfully, ideas can be exchanged freely and relationships can develop through shared experiences.

It is not intended to represent any one religious tradition. Instead, it seeks to provide a welcoming environment in which people of all faiths and none can participate.

The Building & Its Heritage

Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

The former St Andrew's Church is an important part of Gibraltar's architectural and religious history.

Established in the nineteenth century as a Church of Scotland place of worship, the building has stood within Gibraltar's town centre for generations.

About The Rock Sanctuary, Gibraltar - Since 1854

Our Heritage

A Historic Place with a New Purpose

The Rock Sanctuary is housed within the former St Andrew’s Church, a building that has been part of Gibraltar’s religious and architectural heritage for more than 170 years.

Its story began in 1852, when a delegation led by the Reverend Adam Cairns met with the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, Sir John Pakington, to discuss the recognition of Presbyterian marriages in Gibraltar. At a time when Gibraltar was home to a significant military community, including several Scottish regiments, local Presbyterians sought to establish a place of worship of their own.

The foundation stone was laid on 6 October 1852 by Mrs Grey, wife of the Captain of the Port, and the church officially opened for worship on 28 May 1854.

Much of the building’s original character has been carefully preserved. Designed to accommodate 340 people, it retains its original wooden pews, pulpit and baptismal font, while a pipe organ was added in 1905–1906.

Among its most striking features are the three stained-glass windows on the south wall, depicting St Andrew, Christ and St Columba. Installed in 1953, they replaced the original windows destroyed during the Bedenham explosion of 27 April 1951. The north wall also displays a collection of regimental plaques, reflecting the church’s longstanding connections with Gibraltar’s military history.

Today, this remarkable building begins a new chapter as The Rock Sanctuary.

Welcoming All Faiths,
Cultures & Backgrounds

While honouring its Presbyterian roots and the generations who have gathered within its walls, The Rock Sanctuary looks towards the future as a welcoming space for people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds.

A place once established to serve a particular community now has the opportunity to bring many communities together — preserving its heritage while creating new possibilities for dialogue, understanding, culture and connection.

Its distinctive architecture and historic character provide a remarkable setting for The Rock Sanctuary's next chapter.

The project seeks to respect and celebrate this heritage while opening the building to new opportunities for cultural, educational and community use.

In doing so, The Rock Sanctuary hopes to preserve an important historic space while ensuring that it continues to contribute meaningfully to Gibraltar's future.

Our People

The People Behind the Vision

The Rock Sanctuary is being developed through the commitment and support of individuals who share a belief in the importance of dialogue, cultural understanding and community.

Trustees

Mike Nicholls
Victoria Humphries
Margarita Erskine
Louise Napoli
Matthew Happold

Leslie Ratcliffe, British entrepreneur, Gibraltar

Patron

Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE KStJ DL

Vice Admiral Sir David Steel served as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar from 2020 to 2024, following a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, retiring as Second Sea Lord.

From 2015 to 2020, he was Chief Executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation and Enterprises Limited. Since returning to the United Kingdom, he has taken on a number of non-executive and advisory roles, particularly in the maritime and shipping sectors, alongside his continued involvement with a wide range of charitable organisations.

With extensive experience in international diplomacy, leadership and community engagement, Sir David brings a valuable perspective to The Rock Sanctuary as its Patron, supporting its vision of fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and connections across faiths, cultures and communities.

Founder

Leslie Ratcliffe

Leslie Ratcliffe is a British entrepreneur and businessman with longstanding ties to Gibraltar, where he has spent much of his career working in property, finance and investment.

Alongside his business interests, Leslie has a keen interest in faith, international affairs and community engagement. In 1986, he founded the English Speaking Church in Verbier, Switzerland, in association with Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB). He is also a member of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Most recently, Leslie funded the acquisition of the historic St Andrew’s Church in Gibraltar and is leading its restoration and transformation into The Rock Sanctuary, a welcoming multi-faith centre dedicated to dialogue, understanding, culture and community.