London is a city steeped in history, and its churches and cathedrals are testament to its rich religious and cultural heritage. From the grandeur of St Paul‘s Cathedral to the gothic splendor of Westminster Abbey, these architectural marvels are not to be missed. Here are 12 of the most magnificent churches and cathedrals to visit in London:
1. St Paul‘s Cathedral
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666, St Paul‘s Cathedral is an iconic symbol of the city. Its majestic dome, rising 111 meters above the ground, has dominated the London skyline for over 300 years. The cathedral has hosted many significant events, including the funerals of Admiral Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
Inside, you‘ll find a breathtaking interior with intricate mosaics, stunning stained glass windows, and the famous Whispering Gallery, where a whisper against the wall can be heard clearly on the opposite side. Don‘t miss the chance to climb the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for panoramic views of London.
2. Westminster Abbey
Founded in 960 AD, Westminster Abbey is a royal church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been the coronation church for English and British monarchs since 1066, and has hosted 16 royal weddings. The abbey is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs, as well as notable figures such as Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking.
The gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey is truly awe-inspiring, with its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows. Be sure to visit the Poet‘s Corner, where over 100 poets and writers, including William Shakespeare and Jane Austen, are buried or commemorated.
3. Southwark Cathedral
Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Southwark Cathedral has a history dating back over 1,000 years. It was originally a priory dedicated to St Mary, but became a cathedral in 1905. The cathedral is known for its beautiful gothic architecture, with a mix of Norman, Early English, and Victorian Gothic styles.
Inside, you‘ll find monuments to notable figures such as William Shakespeare, who worshipped here, and John Harvard, founder of Harvard University, who was baptized in the cathedral. Don‘t miss the stunning stained glass windows, including the recently restored Great West Window, which depicts scenes from the life of Christ.
4. St Martin-in-the-Fields
Situated on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is a landmark church known for its neoclassical architecture and its role as a center for the arts. The current building, designed by James Gibbs, dates from 1722-1726 and features a majestic portico and a soaring steeple.
Inside, the church has a light and airy feel, with elegant columns and beautiful stained glass windows. St Martin-in-the-Fields is famous for its lunchtime and evening concerts, which feature classical music performed by renowned artists. The church also has a popular café in the crypt, which serves delicious food in a unique setting.
5. St Bride‘s Church
Known as the "Cathedral of Fleet Street," St Bride‘s Church has a long association with the printing and journalism industries. The church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672 after the previous building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. At 69 meters tall, it is the second tallest of Wren‘s churches after St Paul‘s Cathedral.
The church is known for its beautiful spire, which is said to have inspired the shape of traditional wedding cakes. Inside, you‘ll find a peaceful and serene atmosphere, with elegant arches and columns. The crypt houses the Museum of Fleet Street, which tells the story of the printing and journalism industries in London.
6. St Mary-le-Bow
Located in the heart of the City of London, St Mary-le-Bow is a historic church with a distinctive bow-shaped stone arches. According to tradition, a true Cockney must be born within earshot of the church‘s bells. The current building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, dates from 1671-1673 and features a beautiful steeple that rises 68 meters above the ground.
Inside, the church has a light and spacious feel, with elegant columns and windows. Don‘t miss the 11th-century crypt, which survived the Great Fire of London and features Norman arches and carved stone capitals.
7. All Hallows by the Tower
Located next to the Tower of London, All Hallows by the Tower is the oldest church in the City of London, with a history dating back to 675 AD. The church has witnessed many significant events, including the baptism of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, and the burial of Archbishop William Laud, who was executed on Tower Hill in 1645.
The church was badly damaged during the Blitz in World War II, but has been beautifully restored. Inside, you‘ll find a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, with a mix of ancient and modern features. Don‘t miss the 7th-century Saxon arch and the beautiful Tate Panel, which depicts the Virgin Mary and dates from the 15th century.
8. St Bartholomew the Great
Founded in 1123 as an Augustinian priory, St Bartholomew the Great is one of London‘s oldest and most historic churches. It survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII and the Great Fire of London, and today is a stunning example of Norman and Gothic architecture.
Inside, you‘ll find a serene and peaceful atmosphere, with beautiful stone arches and intricate carvings. The church has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shakespeare in Love.
9. St Pancras Old Church
Located in the heart of King‘s Cross, St Pancras Old Church is one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in England, with a history dating back to the 4th century. The current building dates from the 19th century and features a beautiful gothic revival style.
The church is famous for its association with the Romantic poets, including William Blake, who was baptized here, and Mary Wollstonecraft, who was married here. The churchyard is also the final resting place of many notable figures, including Sir John Soane, architect of the Bank of England.
10. St Dunstan in the East
Nestled in a quiet corner of the City of London, St Dunstan in the East is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors. The church was originally built in the 12th century, but was severely damaged during the Blitz in World War II. Instead of being rebuilt, the ruins were turned into a beautiful public garden, with the tower and steeple still standing.
The garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, with lush greenery, winding paths, and benches to sit and relax. It‘s the perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet moment of reflection.
11. St Etheldreda‘s Church
Located in the heart of London‘s legal district, St Etheldreda‘s Church is the oldest Catholic church in England, with a history dating back to the 13th century. It survived the Reformation and the Great Fire of London, and today is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Inside, you‘ll find a beautiful vaulted ceiling, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. The church is famous for its association with the Catholic martyrs of the 16th and 17th centuries, many of whom were imprisoned in the Tower of London before being executed.
12. St Margaret‘s Church
Located next to Westminster Abbey, St Margaret‘s Church is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor. However, this beautiful church has a rich history and is well worth a visit. It was founded in the 12th century and has been the parish church of the House of Commons since 1614.
The church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, including a stunning window designed by Sir John Ninian Comper in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was executed in Old Palace Yard in 1618. It is also the final resting place of several notable figures, including the poet John Milton and the composer George Frideric Handel.
London‘s churches and cathedrals are not just places of worship, but also treasures of history, art, and architecture. Whether you‘re a religious pilgrim, a history buff, or simply a lover of beauty, these magnificent buildings are sure to inspire and delight. So next time you‘re in London, take the time to explore some of these architectural wonders and discover the rich cultural heritage they represent.
