Grosvenor Chapel: A Historic Anglican Sanctuary in Mayfair
An 18th-century Anglican chapel in Mayfair blending Georgian elegance with Anglo-Catholic artistry and rich history.
Nestled on South Audley Street in the heart of Mayfair, London, Grosvenor Chapel is an 18th-century Anglican church renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture and rich Anglo-Catholic heritage. Founded in 1730 by Sir Richard Grosvenor, it features a luminous interior transformed by Ninian Comper in the early 20th century, with distinctive elements such as a rood screen and stained glass windows. The chapel has a storied history, serving as a spiritual home for locals, American forces during WWII, and visitors seeking reverent worship in a central London setting.
A brief summary to Grosvenor Chapel
- 24 S Audley St, London, W1K 2PA, GB
- +442074991684
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays for quieter moments and to experience the chapel’s peaceful atmosphere during morning prayer or Eucharist.
- Take time to admire Ninian Comper’s stained glass windows and the intricate rood above the altar.
- Attend a Sunday Sung Eucharist to experience the chapel’s rich liturgical tradition and music.
- Explore the Mount Street Gardens nearby, once the chapel’s burial ground, now a tranquil public park.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Bond Street station, then walk approximately 10 minutes along Oxford Street and South Audley Street to reach Grosvenor Chapel. The walk is on paved urban streets and suitable for most travelers. No additional cost beyond the tube fare, typically £2.50–£4.90 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Use London bus routes 22 or 38 to the South Audley Street stop, located near the chapel. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with journey times from central London around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. A contactless payment or Oyster card fare applies, usually under £2.50.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London takes about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £8–£15. This option provides door-to-door convenience but can be slower during peak hours.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Mayfair, walking to Grosvenor Chapel is pleasant and accessible, taking 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is flat and on well-maintained sidewalks, suitable for wheelchair users with ramp access at the chapel entrance.
Grosvenor Chapel location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Grosvenor Chapel
Origins and Architectural Foundations
The Grosvenor Chapel was founded in 1730 when Sir Richard Grosvenor laid its foundation stone, marking the beginning of a sacred site within the Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair. Constructed by the builder Benjamin Timbrell and completed by 1731, the chapel was originally a proprietary chapel leased on a 99-year peppercorn rent. Its exterior presents a modest yet elegant Georgian brick façade, crowned with a portico and a short spire housing a clock and bell, reminiscent of contemporary London churches like St Martin-in-the-Fields and St George’s, Hanover Square.Interior Transformation and Anglo-Catholic Influence
In 1912-1913, architect Ninian Comper undertook a significant transformation of the chapel's interior, shifting it from a plain Georgian auditorium to a prayerful space focused on the altar’s mystery. Comper introduced giant Ionic columns supporting a beam adorned with a rood depicting the Crucifixion, flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, with angels kneeling below. The south wall features three delicate stained glass windows by Comper, two bearing his signature strawberry motif. This redesign reflects the chapel’s Anglo-Catholic tradition, emphasizing reverence and beauty in worship.Historical Significance and Community Role
Originally called Audley Chapel, the Grosvenor Chapel became a chapel of ease to St George’s, Hanover Square after the lease expired in 1829 and the Grosvenor Chapel Act of 1831. Throughout its history, it has served a diverse congregation, including Mayfair residents, international visitors, and notably the American armed forces during World War II, commemorated by a tablet on its west wall. The chapel remains a spiritual home within central London, welcoming worshippers from many Christian traditions and those exploring faith.Music and Cultural Connections
Music has long been integral to the chapel’s atmosphere. The original organ, installed in 1732 by Abraham Jordan at Sir Richard Grosvenor’s expense, has undergone several rebuilds, with the current instrument crafted in 1991 in an 18th-century English style. The chapel’s cultural footprint extends to film, famously featured in the wedding scene of "Love Actually," where a surprise choir performance adds joyous resonance to the ceremony.Worship and Accessibility Today
Today, Grosvenor Chapel continues its mission as a liberal catholic Anglican church, offering daily worship and fostering a welcoming, international congregation. The building provides step-free access via a ramp and is equipped with a sound loop system for those with hearing aids. Its intimate interior encourages fellowship and reflection, making it a cherished sanctuary amid the bustling city.Architectural and Spiritual Legacy
The chapel’s blend of Georgian simplicity and Comper’s Anglo-Catholic embellishments encapsulates centuries of evolving religious expression. It stands as a testament to the Grosvenor family’s vision and the enduring appeal of sacred spaces that balance tradition with openness. Visitors encounter a place where history, art, and faith converge in serene harmony.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
38 Grosvenor Sq
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Roosevelt Memorial
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Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
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Speakers' Corner
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Machine Gun Corps Memorial
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Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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Wellington Arch
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Royal Artillery Memorial
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Burlington House
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3 Savile Row
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Constitution Hill
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Beau Brummell Statue
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Liberty’s clock
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Unmissable attractions to see
Thomas Goode & Co
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Mount Street Gardens
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The Punch Bowl
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Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, Mayfair
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Park Ln
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Prestigious Park Lane in London blends historic grandeur with luxury hotels, upscale shops, and serene Hyde Park views along its iconic 1.1 km stretch.
Clermont Club
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London's most exclusive private members' club, where Mayfair's elite gather in historic elegance.
Grosvenor Sq
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Grosvenor Square: London's historic garden square blending aristocratic heritage, American diplomacy, and modern urban renewal in Mayfair.
Curzon Mayfair
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Experience London’s premier art-house cinema in a stunning Grade II listed 1960s building, blending cinematic heritage with modern luxury.
Berkeley Square
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Shepherd Market
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Mercato Mayfair
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Animals In War Memorial
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Statue of Achilles
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Sprueth Magers Gallery
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Queen Elizabeth Gate
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Essential places to dine
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Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
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HIDE
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sketch
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Little Social
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Seven Park Place by William Drabble
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The Grenadier
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Discover The Grenadier, a historic and haunted London pub steeped in military legacy and timeless charm in the heart of Belgravia.
Quaglino's
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Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Great British Restaurant
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Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
NOPI
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Kingly Court
1.0 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
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Starbucks Coffee
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Golden Lion
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Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
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LONGCHAMP
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Burlington Arcade
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Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
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Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Regent St.
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London's elegant mile of style, where Regency architecture meets world-class flagship stores and timeless shopping heritage.
Piccadilly Arcade
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Discover Edwardian elegance and bespoke luxury in Piccadilly Arcade, a historic shopping gem linking Piccadilly and Jermyn Street in London.
Hamleys
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Fortnum & Mason
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Princes Arcade
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Kingly Ct
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Oxford St
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Liberty
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Prestat Chocolates
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace
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The Argyll Arms
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Disrepute - Soho
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The Red Lion, Mayfair
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Purl London
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Duke of Argyll
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The Thin White Duke
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Basement Sate
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Village Soho
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The New York Bar
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Duke Of Wellington
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Bbar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
LUXX CLUB LONDON
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The Cuckoo Club
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The Scotch of St James
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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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101 Nightclub London
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Luxe Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
