Churches in London make for very interesting sightseeing. The Great Fire was as devastating to the churches as it was to the other structures in London, destroying 86 of the 107 churches. There are now over 50 churches in London, and many of them were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and were rebuilt after the fire.
The churches of London have also suffered over the years from demolitions and bombings during the Second World War, but they still stand as city landmarks and points of great historical and architectural significance.
Westminster Cathedral is the Roman Catholic centre of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral is the Anglican heart of the city.
Westminster Abbey (pictured) is the church of the Crown and Royal family. These three churches are very large and ornate structures with great history and significance to the nation.
Other churches like Brompton Oratory are notable for their adherence to traditional Latin Mass and Liturgy, while churches like St Martin-in-the-Fields are offering services in various Chinese dialects to better serve their church community.
Southwark Cathedral has a long and checkered history as a church of the working people while St Bride’s has a long association with the print community of Fleet Street.
All Souls Church is a John Nash creation, and it is an interesting round design that was a bit of a scandal when it was constructed, whereas Temple Church is another mainly round church, but it owes its existence to the Knights Templar Order, and is thus a bit notorious in its own fashion.
St Bartholomew the Great has a unique Norman interior which is quite impressive, and was the precursor to St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Visiting London churches can give you some insight into the life and times of those who lived and worked in the city.
Churches were very important parts of the community in days gone by, perhaps much more so than they are today, and as such are an important link to the past of any city. They are also lovely places to rest and catch your breath during a day of sightseeing; the calm and peaceful environment in most churches is quite inviting to most people.
Churches in London should be on everyone’s itinerary.
All Souls Church Langham Place is architect John Nash’s sole surviving church in London.
Brompton Oratory has a legendary liturgical tradition, with Latin mass celebrated daily.
St Bartholomew the Great was fortunate enough to be one of the very few London churches to survive World War II with no damage.
St Brides of Fleet Street is a church dating back to the very early days of London, and is the traditional home of the London press.
St Martin-in-the-Fields helps serve the needs of their community by offering classical and jazz concerts in their glorious church.
St Paul's Cathedral with its iconic dome stands tall as London’s spiritual home.
In Southwark Cathedral, London has a treasured link to its earliest days, as well as a thriving modern church community.
Temple Church offers a window on the history of the controversial Knights Templar order in Britain.
Westminster Abbey is one of the many churches in London that will leave you awestruck by the weight of its history and the enormity of its splendour.
Westminster Cathedral boasts an elaborate interior showcasing 126 different kinds of marble from 24 countries.
Photo courtesy: antmoose
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