PDF file - The Diocese of London

Faith Walks
in the Diocese of London
Explore London’s
rich and varied heritage
of religious buildings

Guide to the symbols used:
• Toilets
• Café
• Baby-Changing Facilities
• Fully Accessible
• Nearest Tube Station
• Nearest Bus Routes
Opening times:
Opening times are listed for each church. It
is important to check these before setting off,
particularly if you are keen to visit a specific
church, as there may be last-minute changes. For
any alterations to times stated, visit www.london.
anglican.org/walking-routes
Services:
Many churches have daily services, which you are
very welcome to attend. Information about service
times is available at each church.
QR codes:
Look out for QR codes on tours in Hackney and The
Mall. These hidden extras provide an insight into
local history and its relationship to the Bible, and
have been provided by the Bible Society (see the
inside back page for more information).
Donations & support:
All these sites are cared for by volunteers, and are
maintained from donations.
If you have enjoyed your visit, and would like to see
more projects in the future, please give generously
to help preserve this wonderful heritage.
St Peter, Eaton Square
St Clement Danes
St John, Hyde Park Crescent
Christ Church, Spitalf elds
St Paul, Old Ford

the Bishop of London
welcome
To all of the visitors arriving in London this summer
for the Olympic and Paralympic Games – welcome!
If you have not been to London before, I hope that
you will explore our city and make it your home.
Even if you have visited us before, I hope that there
will be something fresh to delight and surprise you.
Among other sites London’s huge variety of churches
stand ready to make you welcome.
To help you plan some visits, six walking tours have been put together,
taking in historic places of worship within easy reach of Olympic venues in
central and east London. Many belong to the Church of England, but by no
means all.
Over 40 churches are participating in the trails. Almost all will open daily
from 27 July to 9 September 2012. All of them are lively places of worship
but they are, at the same time, community hubs and treasure houses of
memory.
This booklet is an aperitif. I hope that you will go and enjoy the main
course for yourself. It says in the scriptures ‘neglect not hospitality, for
some have thereby entertained angels unaware’. It is in this spirit that we
look forward to seeing you during your stay.
The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres KCVO DD FSA
Bishop of London
to London...

X
Hackney
from the Olympic Park
Hackney is a vibrant and historic area of
north-east London, with Roman Road and the
River Lee forming its boundaries. In the Tudor
period it became a retreat for the nobility, but
developed rapidly in the 19th-century.
The borough includes a number of districts –
Shoreditch, Hoxton, Dalston and Hackney Wick.
Today the area is proud of its ethnic diversity
and many green spaces.
St Leonard, Shoreditch : built 1736-40
Of Anglo-Saxon origin but rebuilt by George Dance the Elder, architect
of the Mansion House (home of the Lord Mayor of London). Memorial
to James Parkinson, discoverer of Parkinson’s Disease and pioneer of
paediatrics. The church is used to film the BBC series ‘Rev’. The crypt
contains the tombs of great 16th-century actors, including Shakespeare’s
first Romeo, Richard Burbage.
Address: Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JN
Opening times: 12pm - 2pm Old Street
47, 55, 149, 242
St John at Hackney
X
St John, Hoxton : built 1824-6
‘Architecturally and aesthetically the most
significant building in Hoxton’ (English
Heritage). Dramatic painted ceiling depicting
scenes from the Book of Revelation. Vibrant,
diverse and growing local congregation. Large
and tranquil gardens with space to sit, and good
local cafés.
Address: Pitfield Street, N1 6NP
Opening times: 9am - 5.30pm (Mon-Fri)
Old Street
21, 55, 76, 141, 243, 271, 343
St Mary of Eton, Hackney Wick

X
X
St Peter, De Beauvoir Town : built 1840-1
A tranquil place close to Regent’s Canal. The heart of one of London’s
first model villages. Contemporary installation of Stations of the Cross
in upper galleries by Cedric Christie. The crypt has always been used for
community activities. Chancel added 1884.
Address: Northchurch Terrace, N1 5AT
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
(Mon-Wed)
St Mark, Dalston : built 1862-6
Excellent example of an experimental, imaginative form
of architecture called ‘Rogue Gothic’ combining medieval
styles with Victorian technology to produce a surprising
and innovative building. It is full of intricate details,
including large gargoyles, with a dark and soaring interior.
Tower added 1877-80. ‘Glows with glass!’ Canon B Clarke
Address: St Mark’s Rise, E8 2LJ
Opening times: 9am - 5pm (Tues & Thurs)
Dalston Kingsland
30, 67, 56, 149, 236, 243
X St John at Hackney : built 1791-4
The tower of the original medieval church, St Augustine’s,
stands nearby. The church and large churchyard contain
many historic monuments and memorials, including
those from the earlier building. Sir Francis Beaufort, the
meteorologist famous for his ‘Beaufort Scale’ to measure
wind speed, is buried here. Chris Martin, Sinead O’Connor,
Goldfrapp and Elbow have all performed here.
Address: Lower Clapton Road, E5 0PD
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
Hackney Central
30, 38, 40, 41, 55, 106, 253, 254, 394, 425
Haggerston (overground)
76, 149, 242, 243
X
St Michael, London Fields : built 1959-60
The original church was destroyed by bombing in World War II. Designed
as part of the ‘Liturgical Movement’ of 20th-century church architecture
which brought people closer to the priest during services. Contains
modern stained glass, wall paintings, and a central dome.
Address: Landsdowne Drive, E8 3ER
Opening times: 10am - 4pm (Sat) London Fields (overground)
394
St Leonard,
Shoreditch

X
X
St Mary of Eton, Hackney Wick : built 1890-2
Founded as part of Eton College Mission, and long associated with social
outreach. Designed by an important master of the late Gothic revival, G F
Bodley. The 59 Club for motorcyclists started here, attracting stars such as
Elizabeth Taylor, Cliff Richard, and Princess Margaret. As well as worship
and meditation, there is an internet café, with exhibitions of photographs,
paintings, film and a UN:GIFT box raising awareness of human trafficking.
Address: Eastway, E9 5JA
Opening times: 8.30am - 8pm Mile End
26, 30, 388
St Paul, Old Ford : built 1873-8
Originally built in robust Victorian Gothic style by Newman & Billing.
Saved from dereliction and reopened in 2004 through a bold remodelling
to provide a stunning worship space, education centre, café and disability
gym. Critically acclaimed design with ark-shaped ‘pod’ clad in tulipwood
and supported on arched columns. Daily prayer held. Free wi-fi available.
Address: St Stephen’s Road, E3 5JL
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Mile End
8
Hackney from the Olympic Park
St Peter,
De Beauvoir Town
New N Rd East Rd
St John,
Hoxton
X
Pitfi eld St
De Beauvoir Rd Whitmore Rd
Old St Great Eastern St
Old Street
Kingsland Road
Sandringham Rd
St Mark, Dalston
X
X
Colvestone Cres
Middleton Rd
X
Dalston Junction
Haggerston
Hoxton
X
Dalston L n
St Leonard, Shoreditch
Shoreditch High Street
St Michael,
London Fields
Amhurst Rd
Mare St
X
Victoria Park Rd
Old Ford Rd
St John at Hackney
Homerton High St
Hackney Central Homerton
Ke nworth y Rd
St Mary of Eton,
Hackney Wick
Victoria Park
St Paul, Old Ford
X
X
St Stephen’s Rd
Chapman Rd

X
X
Tower Hamlets
from Greenwich Park
Forming the core of the East End, this is one of the oldest
parts of London and includes Stepney, Shadwell, and
Bethnal Green. The area expanded as workers moved here
to work in the docks or textile trades. Heavily bombed in
World War II, some parts have now been redeveloped.
Christ Church, Isle of Dogs : built 1852-4
Designed by Frederick Johnstone, built by William Cubitt using stone from
old London Bridge. Modest exterior conceals atmospheric interior with
Victorian fittings and impressive organ. Mural of Company of Heaven on
chancel arch (1907-14), decorative chancel scheme (1954-5).
Address: Manchester Road, E14 3BN
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Island Gardens (DLR)
D3, D7
St Peter, London Docks : founded 1856
An important centre of Anglo-Catholicism and providing charity to one of
poorest areas of London. Established on this site in 1865 when the present
church, by F H Pownall, commenced. The ambitious cruciform building was
constructed in stages, with the west end finished in 1939. Lofty interior
with patterned brickwork and rich ensemble of fittings and stained glass.
Address: Wapping Lane, E1W 2RW
Wapping
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
D3, 100
X
St Paul, Bow Common : built 1956-60
Designed and built by Robert Maguire and Keith Murray. Liturgically
innovative plan, placing the celebrant in the middle of the congregation.
Radical and modernist aesthetic with exposed materials and industrially
produced fittings. ‘Not one thing has come out of slickness or reaction
or a wish to be original. Hence it is truly original, like All Saints Margaret
Street a century before’ (Ian Nairn).
Address: St Paul’s Way, E3 4LA
Opening times: 10am - 4pm
(Mon-Sat until 24/8)
Mile End
D6, D7, 277, 309
St John on Bethnal Green

X
X
St Dunstan, Stepney : medieval – 20th-century
The ancient ‘mother church’ of the East End, rebuilt by St Dunstan in 952.
One of the largest surviving medieval churches in London. Long history
ranges from 11th-century Anglo-Saxon carved stone rood and 13thcentury
chancel through to major 15th-century rebuilding. Restorations
after fire in 1901 and damage in World War II. Stone from walls of
Carthage, brought here in 1663.
Address: Stepney High Street, E1 0NR
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Stepney Green
15, 25, 115, 135, 205, 309, 339
St Mary, Cable Street : built 1848-50
Founded as a mission church, paid for and endowed by Lord Haddo,
son of the Earl of Aberdeen. Built in a simple Gothic style with a light,
spacious interior, to a design by Frederick J Francis.
Address: Cable Street, E1 0AF
Opening times: 7.30am - 6pm (7.30pm M&Th) Shadwell
15, 100, 115, 135
X St Paul, Shadwell : built 1817-20
Built to designs by John Walters, financed from a fund to celebrate
victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Tall, graceful spire is prominent
local landmark. Light, spacious interior with plaster saucer dome vault
and original galleries. Historic organ with pipework of 1714 from the
instrument in a previous church on the site. Today there is a vibrant young
growing congregation making a positive contribution to the community.
Address: The Highway, E1W 3DH
Opening times: 9am - 5pm (Mon - Fri) Shadwell
100
X
St George-in-the-East : built in stages 1714-29
‘The most original of Hawksmoor’s East End churches’ (Sir Nikolaus
Pevsner). Widely acknowledged as a masterpiece of the English baroque.
Gutted in May 1941 during the Blitz, new church built 1960-4 within
the shell, incorporating original apse. Commanding bell tower topped
by Roman-style altars echoed by ‘pepperpot’ turrets atop towers that
originally gave access to galleries.
Address: Cannon Street Road, E1 0BH
Opening times: 8am - 6pm Shadwell
100, D3

X
X
Christ Church, Spitalfields : built 1714-29
‘One of England’s greatest architectural glories’ (Elizabeth & Wayland
Young). Saved from demolition in 1960 by Hawksmoor Committee
(supporters included T S Eliot and Sir John Betjeman) after being
condemned as dangerous structure. Major restoration carried out 1976-
2004 to remove alterations and return to Hawksmoor’s original design.
Address: Commercial Street, E1 6LY
Opening times: 10am - 6pm Aldgate East
67
St John on Bethnal Green : built 1826-8
One of only three churches by John Soane, designer and creator of the
Soane Museum on Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Entrance vestibules and crypt
survive; openwork nave roof added in 1871 when church was rebuilt after
serious fire; chancel extended in 1888. There are fourteen paintings of
the Stations of the Cross by Chris Gollon (2002) in the aisles. Ongoing
major restoration.
Address: Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Bethnal Green
8, 106, 254, 309, 388, D3, D6
Tower Hamlets from Greenwich Park
Commercial St
Christ Church,
Spitalfields
Fournier St
Aldgate
Tower Gateway
Crispin St
Bethnal Green Rd
X
Brick Ln
Cheshire St
Vallance Rd New St Canon St Rd
Shoreditch High Street
Whitechapel Road Mile End
Cable St
Cambridge Hth
Stepney Way
Commercial Rd
X
Bethnal Green
Stepney Green
St John on Bethnal Green
St Dunstan,
Stepney
X
Aldgate East St Mary,
Cable Street X
Shadwell
X
St George-in-the-East
X St Paul, Shadwell
X
St Peter, London Docks
Ben Johnson Rd
Limehouse
The Highway
X
St Paul, Bow Common
Westferry
Westfe ry St
West India Dock
Canary Wharf
Heron Quay
Limehouse Rd
Christ Church,
X Isle of Dogs

X
St John’s Wood
& Regent’s Park from Lord’s
Cricket Ground
One of the most expensive districts
in the UK, developed with upmarket
housing in the 19th-century. Famous
for being home to Lord’s Cricket
Ground and the Abbey Road
recording studios.
Originally royal parkland, Regent’s
Park is now a public open space,
with gardens and London Zoo.
St Augustine, Kilburn : built 1870-7
Commonly known as ‘The Cathedral of North London’. The stated aims of
its architect, J L Pearson was to ‘bring people soonest to their knees’. A
spectacular gothic revival church of soaring vaults and rich Anglo-Catholic
art, recently featured in Simon Jenkins’ 1000 Best Churches (4/5 star
rating). ‘One of the best churches of its date in the whole of England’ (Sir
Nikolaus Pevsner).
Address: Kilburn Park Road, NW6 5XB
Opening times: 9am - 5pm Kilburn Park
6, 16, 31, 98, 316, 328, 332
St Marylebone
St Augustine, Kilburn

X
X
X
St Mark, Hamilton Terrace
: built 1846-7
Early Victorian estate church by Thomas
Cundy II, extended and sumptuously
embellished 1866-78. The Duke of Albany
(Queen Victoria’s fourth son) laid the
foundation stone. Rolf Harris was married
here and Paul McCartney is a parishioner.
Address: Hamilton Terrace, NW8 9UT
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
Maida Vale
16, 46, 139, 189
St John’s Wood Church
: built 1813-14
Good, well preserved example of a
Regency church by Thomas Hardwick
with bright, airy interior. Notable burials
and fine early 19th-century monuments.
The church has a close relationship
with Lord’s Cricket Ground – memorial
services have been held here for many
cricketers.
Address: Lord’s Roundabout, NW8 7NE
Opening times: 8am - 6pm
St John’s Wood
13, 82, 113, 274
Church of Our Lady,
St John’s Wood
: built 1833-6
Funded by two sisters from a legacy
from their father Sir John Gallini and
designed by leading Catholic architect J
J Scoles. Spacious, light interior strongly
evocative of the medieval Temple Church
on the Strand.
Address: Lodge Road, NW8 8LA
Opening times: 8am - 8pm
St John’s Wood
13, 82, 113, 139
St Mark,
Hamilton Terrace

X St Marylebone : built 1813-17
Kilburn Rd
Designed by Thomas Hardwick, this is London’s grandest Regency church.
Known as the Doctors’ Church thanks to its links to nearby Harley Street.
The magnificent Rieger organ supports an outstanding professional choir.
Strong associations with Charles Wesley, Robert & Elizabeth Browning,
Rudyard Kipling and Charles Dickens. World famous counselling centre.
Vegetarian café in the Crypt.
Address: Marylebone Road, NW1 5LT
Baker Street
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113,
139, 189, 205, 274, 453
Our Lady Roman Catholic Church, St John’s Wood
St John’s Wood & Regent’s Park from Lord’s
Maida Vale Edgware Rd
Kilburn Park
Kilburn High Road
St Augustine,
Kilburn
X
Maida Vale
Elgin Ave Abercorn Pl
Warwick Avenue
Abbey Rd
St Mark,
Hamilton Terrace
X
Hamilton Terrace
Sutherland Avenue Hall Rd
St John’s Wood
Wellington Rd Park Rd
St John’s Wood Rd
Westway Marylebone Rd
X
Edgware Road
St John’s Wood
Church
X
Church of Our Lady,
Lisson Grove
Marylebone
Regent’s Park
Baker Street
St Marylebone X

X
X
Oxford Circus
& Mayfair from Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and
includes the Serpentine Lake and Speakers Corner.
Nearby are the residential areas around Edgware
Road, busy Oxford Street with its many shops and
Mayfair with its expensive and distinctive property
leading down to Piccadilly. All Saints, Margaret Street
St James, Sussex Gardens : originally built 1841-3
Completely rebuilt 1881-2 by leading Gothic revivalist G.E. Street,
retaining only the tower and porches of the previous building. Oscar
Wilde was married here. Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouts, was
baptised here in 1857. Completely refurbished and reordered 2002-3 to
include a nave altar.
Address: Sussex Gardens, W2 3UD
Opening times: 7.30am - 9pm Lancaster Gate
46, 94, 148, 274, 390
St John, Hyde Park Crescent : built 1829-32
Very light, with tall arches and large windows. The church has recently
been restored. The area was once notorious for the gallows at Tyburn, later
replaced by Marble Arch. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair lives in nearby
Connaught Square. An inclusive church with a strong musical tradition that
supports and contributes to the community life around it.
Address: Hyde Park Crescent, W2 2QD
Opening times: 9am - 5pm Marble Arch
7, 15, 23, 27, 36, 205, 436
The Immaculate Conception, Farm Street

X All Souls, Langham Place : built 1822-4
X
X
X
The last remaining church built by John Nash, designer of Buckingham
Palace. One of the ‘Waterloo’ churches built in thanks for victory over
Napoleon. The fluted spire is a very unusual feature. For many years the
BBC broadcast its Daily Service from this church. Influential Christian
thinker the late John Stott served here as Rector and Rector Emeritus
from 1950 to 2011. Each Sunday, some 2000 people from over 60
different nations worship here.
Address: Langham Place, W1B 3DA
Opening times: 9am - 10pm Oxford Circus
73, 88, 453, C2
All Saints, Margaret Street : built 1849-59
Designed by William Butterfield, the interior is noted for its rich
decoration and beautiful fittings – a true hidden gem. One of the Church
of England’s foremost examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture. ‘It
was here, in the 1850s, that the revolution in architecture began’ (Sir
John Betjeman). ‘This is one of those rare buildings in which the very
walls speak’ (Sir Roy Strong).
Address: Margaret Street, W1W 8JG
Opening times: 7am - 7pm Oxford Circus
7, 8, 10, 25, 55, 73, 98, 390
St George, Hanover Square : built 1721-5
The parish church of the American Embassy. President Theodore
Roosevelt married Edith Kermit Carow here in 1886. Handel lived at 25
Brook Street where he composed the ‘Messiah’ in 1741. He regularly
attended services and had his own pew (now removed). Jimi Hendrix also
lived in the parish at 23 Brook Street.
Address: Mill Street, W1S 1FX
Opening times: 8am - 4pm (Mon-Fri) Oxford Circus
8, 25, 55
The Immaculate Conception, Farm Street
: built 1844-9
This Roman Catholic church is the English headquarters of the Jesuit
Order. West front closely based on Beauvais Cathedral in France,
especially the ornate rose window. Sumptuous interior with superlative
fittings, elaborate range of side chapels added 1876-8 and 1898-1903.
Address: Mount Street, W1J 5RN
Opening times: 7.30am - 7pm Bond St or Green Park
C2

X The Grosvenor Chapel : built 1730-31
X
Built as a proprietary chapel for the developing Grosvenor Estate, the
Chapel was the spiritual home of Florence Nightingale and John Betjeman
and was popular with General Eisenhower and US service personnel
during World War II. It was used for the wedding ceremony in the film
‘Love Actually’. East end embellished in 1912-13.
Address: South Audley Street, W1K 2PA
Opening times: 10am - 1pm (Mon-Fri) Green Park
2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, 36
St James, Piccadilly : built 1676-84
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Spectacular carved wood reredos and stone font by Grinling Gibbons. Poet
and artist William Blake was baptised here in 1757. A beautiful garden
adjoins the church, and a market operates every day except Sunday.
Oxford Circus & Mayfair from Hyde Park
X
Address: Piccadilly, W1J 9LL
Opening times: 8am - 7pm Piccadilly Circus
14, 19, 22, 38
Paddington
Sussex Gdns
Lancaster Gate
Hyde Park
Southwick S t
St James, Sussex Gardens
St John,
Hyde Park Crescent
X
Connaught St Upper Berkeley St
Marble Arch
Seymour St Wigmore St
Bayswater Rd Oxford St
Grosvenor St
The Grosvenor Chapel
All Souls, Langham Place
S Audley St
X
Bond Street
Curzon St
Piccadilly
X
Regent St
X
Oxford Circus
X
Church of the Immaculate
X
Conception, Farm Street
St James, Piccadilly
Clarges St
All Saints,
Margaret Street
St George,
Hanover Square
X

X
X
Horse Guards
& Covent Garden from The Mall
The Mall, a ceremonial avenue, leads east
from Buckingham Palace, opening on to
Trafalgar Square through the Admiralty arch.
Beyond is Covent Garden, for many years a
famous fruit and vegetable market that moved
out in the mid-1970s, after which it became a
vibrant shopping and restaurant centre.
North of Covent Garden is St Giles, once
notorious for its poverty, but now redeveloped. St Paul, Covent Garden
St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square
: built 1721-6
Designed by James Gibbs and much imitated, especially in America.
Internationally important work of Georgian architecture, recently
comprehensively restored to include extensive visitor facilities, including
the Café in the Crypt. Famous centre of music where the Academy of
St Martin-in-the-Fields was founded in 1959 with regular programme of
concerts. Renowned for its outreach work with homeless and vulnerable
people.
Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ
Opening times: 8am - 6pm Charing Cross
6, 13, 15, 23, 24, 88
King’s College Chapel : built 1829-31
Founded in 1829 by the Duke of Wellington and the Archbishop of
Canterbury in response to the secular University College, now part of the
University of London. Located in the old building, built in neo-Grecian
style by Sydney Smirke. Interior sumptuously remodelled in 1861-4 by
Sir George Gilbert Scott, architect of St Pancras Station and the Albert
Memorial.
Address: Strand, WC2R 2LS
Temple
Opening times: 9am - 6pm (Mon -Fri) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91,
139, 176

X
X
X
St Clement Danes, Strand
: built 1668-70 and 1680-2
Reputedly founded in the 9th/10th-century. Rebuilt by Sir Christopher
Wren after the Great Fire, belfry and spire added by James Gibbs in 1719-
20. Burned out during the Blitz, rebuilt 1955-8 to the original design as
the church of the Royal Air Force. Famous from the nursery rhyme as the
church whose bells say ‘Oranges and Lemons’. Dr Samuel Johnson, writer
of the Dictionary of the English Language worshipped here.
Address: Strand, WC2R 1DH
Opening times: 9am - 4pm Temple or Covent Garden
4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 172, 341
St Paul, Covent Garden : built 1631-5
One of the earliest Renaissance buildings in London and the first church
in England conceived along the lines of a Classical temple. Designed by
Inigo Jones to be the centrepiece of an Italian-style piazza. Known as the
Actors’ church it is associated with actors, artists and musicians. Stars of
stage and screen from Charlie Chaplin to Vivien Leigh are commemorated.
Connections also include Jane Austen, JMW Turner and WS Gilbert.
Address: Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Covent Gdn & Leicester Sq
6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176
St Giles in the Fields : rebuilt 1733
Founded in 1101 and rebuilt by Henry Flitcroft as the first English
church in the Palladian style. Well preserved 18th-century interior and
important historic organ with late 17th-century pipework. The poets
George Chapman, the first translator of Homer into English, John Milton,
Andrew Marvell, Byron and Shelley are associated with the church. Lord
Baltimore, the founder of Maryland and William Balmain, one of the
founders of Sydney, are buried here. Has a tradition of choral worship.
Address: St Giles High Street, WC2H 8LG
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Tottenham Court Road
14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176
X
St George, Bloomsbury : built 1730
The sixth and final London church of Baroque architect Nicholas
Hawksmoor. Unusual spire based on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
topped by a statue of George I and bearing representations of the Lion
and Unicorn from the Royal Arms. Magnificent portico inspired by the
temples of Baalbek. Grand and spacious interior, recently restored to the
original design. Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope was baptised here.
Address: Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2HR
Opening times: 1-4pm (Mon-Fri), 2-4pm (Sat), 12-2pm (Sun)
Holborn 1, 19, 38, 55

X
St Patrick, Soho Square
: built 1891-3
One of the oldest Roman Catholic parishes in London, founded in 1792
by the Irish Capuchin Fr Arthur O’Leary. Thought to be the oldest Roman
Catholic church in England dedicated to St Patrick. Prominent Italianate
campanile 125 feet high overlooking Soho Square in the heart of the
West End. Designed by John Kelly in Renaissance style. Lofty, spacious
interior, recently reopened for worship after major restoration in 2010-11.
Address: Soho Square, W1D 4NR
Opening times: 8am - 7pm Tottenham Court Road
14, 24, 29, 55, 73, 98, 134, 242
St Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Soho
Horse Guards & Covent Garden from The Mall
Oxford St
Tottenham Court Road
X
St Patrick,
Soho Square
Charing Cross Rd
Leicester Square
X
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trafalgar Square
The Mall & Horse Guards
Great Russell St
St Martin’s Ln
X
X
St George,
Bloomsbury
St Giles in the Fields
Covent Garden
St Paul,
Covent Garden
X
Charing Cross
Strand
Holborn
X
Kings College
Chapel
X
St Clement
Danes
Temple
River Thames

Chelsea
& Sloane Square from Earl’s Court
Earl’s Court was
densely developed
in the 19th-century,
and became a hub
for immigration in the
1950s and 1960s.
It is now home to
many celebrities. The
area leads to more
tranquil Chelsea, an
area popular with
writers and artists, and
the fashionable King’s
Road. St Peter, Eaton Square
St Luke, Sydney Street
X
St Mary, The Boltons
: built 1849-50
The church serves ‘The Boltons’,
an area of Victorian villas forming
part of the Gunter family estate.
Known as ‘the country church in
Kensington and Chelsea’ thanks to
its wooded setting in the middle
of an almond-shaped site. Altered
in 1870-2 and restored after war
damage. Features newly installed
Craigie Aitchison memorial
window, designed by the late
artist. An oasis of peace.
Address: The Boltons, SW10 9TB
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
Earls Court or Gloucester Road
C1, 14, 211, 414

X St Augustine, Queen’s Gate : built 1871
X
X
Victorian Gothic building by nationally important architect William
Butterfield, second among his London churches only to All Saints,
Margaret Street. Spectacular lofty interior of patterned polychromatic
brickwork and tiles painted with biblical scenes. Interesting original
fittings, including vividly coloured marble font and pulpit with sumptuous
carving by Thomas Earp. Altarpiece, tester and Stations of the Cross in
flamboyant Southern Baroque style of 1928 by Martin Travers.
Address: Queen’s Gate, SW7 5LP
Opening times: 9am - 5pm South Kensington
49
St Luke, Sydney Street : built 1824
One of the most important Georgian churches in the country and a
landmark in the early development of the Gothic Revival. Designed by
James Savage on a grand scale – has the highest nave vault of any
parish church in London at 60 feet from floor level, tower is 142 feet tall.
Charles Dickens married Catherine Hogarth here on 2 April 1836. The
Disney film 101 Dalmatians was filmed at the church.
Address: Sydney Street, SW3 6NH
Opening times: 9am - 5pm South Kensington or Sloane Sq
49, 211
Holy Trinity, Sloane Street : built 1888-90
One of the most notable late Victorian churches in London, designed by
J.D. Sedding. A showcase of late 19th-century stone and wood carving,
statuary and metalwork by leading artists and craftsmen. Excellent
stained glass, including a 48-light east window by William Morris and
Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Celebrated in verse by Sir John Betjeman
who dubbed it ‘The Cathedral of the Arts and Crafts’ movement for its
sumptuous interior.
Address: Sloane Street, SW1X 9BZ
Opening times: 9am - 6pm Sloane Square
11, 19, 22, 137, 211, 452, C1
St Augustine, Queen’s Gate

X St Peter, Eaton Square : built 1824-7
Designed by Sir Henry Hakewill and built to minister to the people of the
new streets and squares of Belgravia. Extended 1872-5 by Sir Arthur
Blomfield. Twice rebuilt after serious fires – firstly in 1836, then again
by the Braithwaite Partnership in 1987. Modern and light worship space
contrasts with elegant classical exterior. Among the few major pieces of
contemporary ecclesiastical design in London. Only a stone’s throw from
Victoria Station and Buckingham Palace.
Opening times: 7am - 5pm (ex Address: Eaton Square, SW1W 9AL
Wed after 1pm)
Victoria
2, 16, 36, 38, 52, 73, 82, 148, 436, C2
Chelsea & Sloane Square from Earl’s Court
X
Gloucester Road
Fulham Rd
X
St Mary, The Boltons
Brompton Rd
St Augustine, Queens Gate
Sydney St
X
Holy Trinity, Sloane Street
St Luke,
Sydney Street
St Peter, Eaton Square
Sloane St Lower Sloane St
St Mary, The Boltons
Sloane Square
King’s Road Eaton Sq
X
X

The Diocese of London
The Church of England divides the country into
administrative areas called dioceses, for which bishops
are responsible. Dioceses are ultimately subdivided
into parishes. Every inch of England falls within a
Church of England parish.
The Diocese of London has existed since at least 314,
when a bishop from London is recorded as attending
a Council of Bishops in Arles, in southern France. The
Diocese was reorganised in 604, since when there has
been a constant succession of bishops. The present
Bishop of London is the Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard
Chartres KCVO.
The Diocese covers 277 square miles of Greater
London north of the Thames from Staines in the west
to the Isle of Dogs in the east and as far north as
Enfield. There are 479 churches and 150 chaplaincies,
around 1000 clergy and ministers, and 200 people
currently in training for the ordained ministry.
Currently 70,000 adults are registered as members of
parish churches in the Diocese, with 100,000 regular
worshippers.
The Diocese has 149 church schools with more
than 50,000 pupils. There are some 150 social
responsibility projects, incorporating work with
children and young people, refugees, asylum seekers,
the homeless, people with mental and physical
disabilities, families and the elderly.
There are also countless community-based activities
operated by Church of England churches in London,
such as mother and toddler groups, youth clubs and
branches of uniformed organisations, such as Scouts
and Guides.
The Diocese of London would
like to acknowledge and thank
our sponsors, the Maurice &
Hilda Laing Trust, for their
generous support of this project.

Bible Society
Bible Society was established in 1804 by William Wilberforce and
others to promote the circulation and use of the Scriptures. The
Society’s Patron is HM The Queen and its President is the Rt Revd
& Rt Hon Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London.
We make Scriptures available where there are none. We work to
help the Church engage with the Bible more effectively. And we
endeavour - through the arts, education, media and politics - to
make the Bible available, accessible and credible in our culture.
The events of 2012 give us a chance to celebrate the vital
foundation that the Scriptures and Christianity have provided for
British culture and identity, from our grandest buildings to our
systems of government and law, from heroes of social change
inspired by the words of Christ to the way in which we buy and
sell at the supermarket. The words of the Bible continue to inspire
women and men across the country today to aspire to a stronger
sense of integrity and purpose.
In providing accompanying material for two of the London Faith
Walks, we want to help you explore the continuing transformative
impact of the Scriptures on the life of this great city.
biblesociety.org.uk
Bible Society Cultural Trails (QR Codes):
Alongside two of our Faith Walks, Tour 4: Oxford Circus & Mayfair
from Hyde Park, and Tour 5: Horse Guards & Covent Garden from
the Mall, you are invited to follow our specially designed Culture
Trails. These trails will help you to discover how the Bible and
Christianity shapes the story of the city and the wider country.
To follow these culture trails, you can pick up the companion
leaflets in any of the churches along the Faith Walk.
Alternatively, you might like to follow the trails online by using the
‘QR codes’ you’ll find along the route. To use the QR codes, you
need to have a smartphone. Using a QR reader application on your
phone (such as NeoReader, Barcode Scanner or ScanLife), point
your phone at the QR code to load the digital version of the culture
trail, with pictures, video and narration. Look out for QR codes
which look like this, along the way:

Discover more
wonderful churches to visit in London,
and download an electronic version of this booklet
at: www.london.anglican.org/walking-routes
© Diocese of London 2012