London Churches
London Churches - Background
Church spires have dominated London's skyline
for most of the last thousand years, and probably
would still do so if it weren't for the combined efforts
of ill-planned twentieth century redevelopment and
the bombs of Germany's Luftwaffe. Despite these destructive
influences, London still possesses a rich heritage
of churches, from small parish churches to cathedrals.
Not all are free to visit of course, but many remain
so.
Some of the Best:
- St. Paul's Cathedral is perhaps London's
best known and most impressive church. For more
information check out our St.
Paul's Guide.
- Westminster Abbey is the resting place
of many of England's monarchs and luminaries. Nearing
its 1,000th anniversary, the Abbey is a must-see.
View our Westminster
Abbey Guide for more.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields overlooks Trafalgar
Square, and is the venue for free lunchtime concert
performances. An excellent café operates
from the Crypt. Check out www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org.
- St. Mary-le-Strand (pictured above) has
a distinct 'ship-like' construction, and was completed
in 1724. The church is now isolated on a traffic
island on the Strand.
- The circular Temple Church (with its effigies
of knights and stone grotesques) was founded by
the Knights Templar in 1160, and is located within
the Temple Inns of Court.
- All Souls, Langham Place (just beyond the
northern end of Regent Street; Oxford Circus Tube)
has a round frontage and unique 'needle' spire.
- St. Stephen Walbrook (39 Walbrook, EC4;
Bank or Cannon Street Tube) is a Sir Christopher
Wren masterpiece, and is located just a stroll from
his world famous St.
Paul's Cathedral (which is free on Sundays and
after 4.30pm).
Also -
Interested in history? Why not check out our guides
to London
History and Historic
Pubs.
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