PROPERTIES

History of the Properties

Thanks to generous donations made during the first half of the 20th century, the British community in Rio de Janeiro owns the historic property at Rua Real Grandeza 99, Botafogo. Today, the site is home to Christ Church, The British School and the British and Commonwealth Society (BCS). It is also used by a number of community, cultural and religious organisations, including Freemasons, AA and Al-Anon groups, choirs and other local associations.

The British School is currently the main user of the site, occupying the property throughout the school week from early morning until late afternoon.

Originally managed by the Establishment of Christ Church, the site was transferred to the BCS in 1977. Since then, the Society’s role has been to safeguard British ownership and ensure that the buildings continue to serve the community in accordance with the wishes of the original donors. A Board of Trustees was established to oversee the management and preservation of the properties, a responsibility it continues to uphold today.

Christ Church

Christ Church was originally founded in 1819 in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The current church building in Botafogo was constructed in 1944 after the original church had to be relocated due to redevelopment works in the city centre.

In 1987, the church received official heritage protection, with the listing becoming permanent in 1997. Since then, the property has been monitored by the city authorities and the IRPH (Instituto Rio Patrimônio da Humanidade) to ensure that the building is maintained to the required historical and architectural standards.

The British School

The British School moved to the property in 1951 with approximately 200 students, following a successful fundraising effort by the community to construct the Cashman Building overlooking the playground. As the school expanded, the building was enlarged in 1957.

In 1967, the school acquired the Ribeiro dos Santos building at the rear of the site on Rua da Matriz. Since then, the school has continued to grow steadily, adding and developing buildings across both Rua Real Grandeza and Rua da Matriz.

In 2019, following discussions with the Church and with the agreement of the BCS, the vicarage, garden, garage and adjoining caretaker’s house were allocated to the School. The School subsequently undertook a full refurbishment of the buildings in accordance with IRPH requirements. The garden was also redesigned and is now enjoyed both by the School’s students and by the wider British community.

Today, The British School has around 800 students on the Botafogo campus, as well as approximately 400 students at its Senior School in Urca and around 1,200 students at its Barra campus. The school plays a major role in the use and maintenance of the property, and around 90% of its students are Brazilian.

Other Community Properties

The BCS also owns All Saints’ Church in Niterói, a beautiful and historic property currently leased to Bethany Church, whose congregation maintains the building to a high standard.

Another important property connected to the British community is the British Cemetery in Gamboa, which is owned and maintained by the British Burial Fund.

Together, these buildings form an important part of the shared heritage of the British community in Rio de Janeiro, preserved and passed down through generations.

Restoration Milestone: The 2023–2026 Transformation

Between 2023 and 2026, the site underwent a major restoration programme aimed at preserving and modernising it for future generations.

Following the refurbishment of the cloister and church roofs in 2023, a final phase of works began in February 2025. This included the restoration of the church façades and cloisters, the replacement and repair of the Hall roof and improvements to the exterior of the surrounding buildings.

Electrical improvements throughout the site were upgraded.

Highlights of the Restoration

Church Interior

The interior of Christ Church was fully restored and refurbished, carefully reinstating many original features and finishes.

Queen Elizabeth Hall

The Hall underwent a complete interior renovation, including the installation of a modern air-conditioning system.

Infrastructure Improvements

Electrical systems across the site were upgraded, and the Porão was redesigned to provide improved storage facilities and a modern meeting space.

Kitchen and Bathrooms

From February to July 2026, the kitchen and all bathroom facilities were completely renovated.

The project was completed on time and within budget.

Looking Forward

These properties represent more than buildings; they reflect over a century of British presence and contribution to the cultural and community life of Rio de Janeiro.

Working together with our Brazilian partners and community members, the BCS remains committed to preserving this heritage while continuing to support education, culture and community activities for future generations.

The Margaret Mee Garden

The site is also home to the Margaret Mee Garden, intended as a place of quiet contemplation amidst the bustle of Botafogo. As Chris Hieatt said on the occasion of its formal inauguration:

“Long before Margaret Mee attracted her legion of international admirers, here in Rio we had already been captivated by her striking personality and her strongly held views on the environment. She served on the BCS Council with a strong voice. The British and Commonwealth Society is proud to have helped provide the Rio community with the Margaret Mee Garden, opened in April 2002, a lasting and living memorial to a remarkable woman.”