GREAT CHURCHES OF LONDON

0
5770

London has a longstanding history of inspiring religious architecture. Due to its two millennia of life, there have been many churches and places of worship in London, built, knocked down, and rebuilt through the tumultuous centuries. What’s more, London is the capital of the Church of England, and has brought protestant values to many parts of the world. The architecture has therefore been cemented into the very fabric of the city, its atmosphere and reverence reverberating throughout the streets. With many famous architects, cemeteries and architectural innovations to explore, there’s nothing quite like the world of London churches. Even if you’re staying at the Barbican hotel London, a part of the city which proves a modern-day architectural marvel, you’ll no doubt want to explore the more historically inspired city sites.

 St. Paul’s Cathedral

 

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic in the country, let alone the city. This incredible Cathedral spans back to 1300. With the most recent cathedral built on the ruins of the old back in 1697, St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral which has served as the funeral setting for Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Admiral Nelson and many more. St Paul’s Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most prominent features on the London skyline.

Southwark Cathedral

 

Southwark Cathedral is one of the most unique cathedrals in the city, holding some of the best frescos and stained-glass windows on display anywhere. This church ahs been used for Christian worship for over a millennium, having once been an Augustinian priory. The closest tube station is London Bridge.

St Mary’s Abbots Church

Built by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1862, St Mary’s Abbots Church is well known for the tallest spire in London. Using neo-Gothic architecture and early English styles, the cathedral is famous across the borough of Kensington.

Temple Church

 

Nestled between Fleet Street and the River Thames, Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar in 1185 and is a famously round sided church, making it architecturally distinct from many later churches. The historic Knights Templar had international span and were one of the most powerful organisations of the middle ages.

St Leonard’s Church

Based in Hounslow, St Leonard’s Church is a Grade II listed church from the 14th century. With a wide range of buttresses and rectangular spires, the church is famous for being the resting place of Private Frederick John White, a soldier who was flogged to death and eventually led to the banning of corporal punishment.

Holy Trinity Church

 

The Holy Trinity, Brompton is affiliated with St Paul’s Cathedral and offers the Alpha Course, a theological course which was developed at the centre. The church also offers conferences and meetings, whilst being one of the leaders in evangelical teaching.

Westminster Cathedral

 

Westminster Cathedral is one of the most well-known Cathedrals in the UK, dating back to 1885. This church is the seat of the archbishop of Westminster and is a neo-Byzantine marvel. With a wide range of interior furnishings, this John Francis Bentley designed church is well worth a visit if you are in the Westminster area.

St Pancras Old Church

 

Located next to Kings Cross, the Pancras Old Church is one of the most unique spaces in the central London area. With a cryps underneath the church, which is open for performance and artist space, the church itself is a beautiful centuries old space.