St George the Martyr, Southwark: A Historic Sanctuary in London’s Borough
Historic Georgian church with medieval roots and wartime resilience, a serene sanctuary in London’s vibrant Borough district.
St George the Martyr in Southwark, London, is a Grade II* listed Anglican church with origins dating back to 1122. The current Georgian building, designed by John Price and opened in 1736, stands on a site rich in history, including medieval roots and wartime restoration. Known for its ornate ceiling by Basil Champneys and a vibrant community role, it remains a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling Borough High Street.
A brief summary to St George the Martyr, Southwark
- Borough High St, London, SE1 1JA, GB
- +442073577331
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to experience the tranquil atmosphere and admire the restored ornate ceiling.
- Explore the churchyard garden to reflect on its centuries-old burial ground history and connections to London’s past.
- Look for the East Window by Marion Grant, a post-WWII stained glass masterpiece symbolizing renewal.
- Check the church’s schedule for community events and worship services to engage with local culture.
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 Northern Line to Borough Station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to St George the Martyr. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and the walk is along urban streets with some slight inclines. No additional fare beyond standard London Underground zones applies.
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Bus
Bus routes 21, 35, 133, and 343 stop near Borough High Street, with a short 5-minute walk to the church. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with fares payable via contactless or Oyster card, typically costing £1.75 per journey within central London.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you off directly at Borough High Street. Travel time varies depending on traffic but generally ranges from 10 to 20 minutes from central London areas. Fares vary by distance and time of day.
St George the Martyr, Southwark 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 St George the Martyr, Southwark
Ancient Origins and Medieval Legacy
St George the Martyr’s history stretches back over nine centuries, with the first recorded church on this site dating to 1122. This early dedication to St George is among the oldest in England, marking the church as a significant spiritual landmark. The medieval church featured a distinctive three-storied square tower, visible in the 1544 panorama of London by Wyngaerde, and held royal connections, including a pardon granted by Richard II and a historic meeting of dignitaries with Henry V after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.Georgian Rebuilding and Architectural Features
By the early 18th century, the original medieval structure was ruinous, leading to a complete rebuild designed by architect John Price. The current brick church with classical Portland stone detailing was completed and opened on St George’s Day, 1736. The interior was later altered in 1808, introducing box pews and relocating the pulpit, which remains one of the tallest in London. The ornate ceiling, designed by Basil Champneys in 1897, adds to the church’s architectural distinction.War Damage and Restoration
During the Second World War, St George the Martyr suffered extensive bomb damage, including the destruction of all windows except the south wall’s St George window. The church was closed for major restoration from 1945 to 1952, with the ceiling and stained glass windows, including the East Window designed by Marion Grant, restored or replaced. Further restoration work was carried out between 2005 and 2007, preserving the church’s historic fabric and community role.Community and Cultural Significance
Situated in the bustling Borough High Street area, St George the Martyr has long been a centre for worship and community life. It served as the spiritual heart of the Southwark fair route and housed a guild dedicated to St George and the Virgin until the 16th century. Today, it functions as a peaceful place for prayer and a hub for local groups, reflecting its enduring role in London’s vibrant urban fabric.Historic Burial Grounds and Notable Associations
The churchyard was used as a burial ground for over six centuries, notably for prisoners from nearby Marshalsea and King’s Bench prisons, linking the site to London’s social history and figures such as Charles Dickens’ family. The burial ground was closed in the 1850s and converted into a garden in 1882, with many remains now housed in museum collections.Preservation Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its rich heritage, St George the Martyr faces ongoing challenges as an aging building requiring significant maintenance. It remains self-funded and is currently listed on the Heritage “At Risk” register, with efforts focused on securing its preservation for future generations. The church continues to embody a sanctuary of peace and historic significance in the heart of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
0.9 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Historic England
1.1 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
1.1 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
1.1 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Custom House
1.1 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
London Stone (remaining part)
1.2 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
113 Cannon St
1.2 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
1.2 km
Discover London’s tiniest public sculpture—two bronze mice locked in a timeless tussle over cheese, steeped in legend and Victorian charm.
Blackfriars Bridge
1.2 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
City of London
1.2 km
Experience the captivating blend of history and modernity in the City of London, where iconic landmarks meet vibrant culture and culinary delights.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
1.3 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
20 Fenchurch St
1.3 km
Iconic London skyscraper with a unique top-heavy design, featuring the Sky Garden — a free public rooftop oasis with panoramic city views and dining.
Tower Bridge
1.3 km
Experience the grandeur of Tower Bridge, a Victorian marvel combining stunning architecture and engineering, offering breathtaking views of London's skyline.
College of Arms
1.3 km
Discover the College of Arms: A Historic Icon of British Heraldry in the Heart of London, Showcasing Art and Tradition.
Wakefield Tower
1.3 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
Red Cross Garden
0.2 km
A historic Victorian pocket park in Southwark offering tranquil green space, heritage cottages, and a wildlife pond in the heart of London.
Trinity Church Square
0.3 km
Tranquil historic garden square in London with a Roman-rooted statue and a classical music rehearsal church at its heart.
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
0.3 km
A poignant garden and memorial in London honoring the outcast dead, transforming a forgotten paupers’ graveyard into a place of remembrance and community.
George
0.4 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Borough Market
0.5 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
Borough Yards
0.5 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.5 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
Mercato Metropolitano
0.5 km
London’s first sustainable community food market, where global street food, craft drinks, and live culture meet in a converted paper factory.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.5 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
The View from The Shard
0.5 km
Experience London’s highest panoramic views from the iconic glass spire of The Shard, with stunning 360-degree vistas and luxury amenities.
The Shard
0.6 km
Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
Southwark Cathedral
0.6 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.6 km
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
Ministry of Sound
0.6 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Ministry of Sound in London, where world-class DJs and vibrant parties come alive in a legendary setting.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Madison
1.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
1.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
14 Hills
1.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.6 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
The Archduke
1.7 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
1.7 km
Stylish 4-star hotel on London’s South Bank with exceptional dining, event spaces, and modern amenities near iconic landmarks.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.7 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.7 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Troia Southbank
1.7 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Wahaca Southbank
1.7 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
OKAN South Bank
1.8 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Strada Southbank
1.8 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Tower of London Shop
1.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
1.3 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.3 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.3 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
1.3 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
1 Poultry
1.4 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Sugar And Style
1.4 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
The Royal Exchange
1.4 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
One New Change
1.4 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
The Giftree London
1.4 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
1.7 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
1.8 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
1.8 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Browns of London
1.9 km
Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old School Yard
0.3 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Nine Lives
0.8 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.2 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.2 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.2 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Lyaness
1.2 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Bootlegger
1.3 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
1.6 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.6 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Understudy
1.6 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
1.6 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
Black Parrot
1.6 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Punch Tavern
1.7 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Primo Bar, London
1.7 km
Sophisticated South Bank cocktails and live jazz with Big Ben views—Primo Bar blends daytime lounge ease with electrifying nightly performances in stylish 60s-inspired surrounds.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
1.7 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Corsica Studios
1.0 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
The Steel Yard
1.0 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
2.0 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.1 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
2.3 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
E1
2.3 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Club 701
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
Carwash Nightclub
2.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
2.5 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Union
2.6 km
Vauxhall's relentless nightclub heartbeat: techno-fueled nights stretching to dawn in multi-zone bliss along the Thames.
Bootylicious London last Saturday of the month
2.6 km
Late-night Vauxhall institution for raw techno, queer-focused party nights and after-hours clubbing on Albert Embankment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
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
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly