St Mary le Strand Church, London
A Baroque masterpiece by James Gibbs, St Mary le Strand stands proudly on London’s Strand as a historic sanctuary and architectural jewel.
St Mary le Strand Church is a distinguished Baroque Anglican church located on the Strand in central London. Designed by James Gibbs and consecrated in 1724, it stands as the first of the 'Fifty New Churches' built after the Great Fire of London. Known as the 'Jewel in the Strand,' this architectural gem features a striking steeple, Corinthian columns, and an ornate interior ceiling, serving as a sanctuary and a historic landmark on the city’s ceremonial route.
A brief summary to St Mary le Strand Church
- Strand, London, WC2R 1ES, GB
- +447985066100
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-4 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-7 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays between late morning and mid-afternoon to admire the interior ceiling and avoid peak crowds.
- Look up to appreciate the intricate gilded plaster ceiling by Chrysostom Wilkins, a highlight of the church’s interior.
- Explore the church’s connection to the Women’s Royal Naval Service, visible through memorials and commemorative items.
- Take time to appreciate the church’s strategic location on the historic processional route linking royal and civic landmarks.
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 or Piccadilly Line to Holborn station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to St Mary le Strand. The station is well-served and accessible, with frequent trains and step-free access available. Ticket prices range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on time and ticket type.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve the Strand area, including routes 139, 176, and 341. Bus stops near Aldwych or Strand provide convenient access. Buses run regularly throughout the day with fares starting at £1.75 using contactless payment.
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Walking
If you are in central London near Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square, walking to St Mary le Strand takes about 10-20 minutes over mostly flat, paved streets. The route is fully accessible with pedestrian crossings and is ideal for taking in nearby landmarks.
St Mary le Strand Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Mary le Strand Church
Historical Foundations and Early Origins
St Mary le Strand Church traces its origins back to at least 1222, originally known as the Church of the Innocents. The first church stood slightly south of the current site but was demolished in 1549 by order of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, to make way for Somerset House. For many years, parishioners worshipped elsewhere, including St Clement Danes and the Savoy Chapel, until a new church was commissioned in the early 18th century as part of a wider ecclesiastical rebuilding effort following the Great Fire of London.Architectural Vision and Baroque Grandeur
The present church was designed by Scottish architect James Gibbs, who brought a sophisticated blend of ancient, Renaissance, and contemporary European influences to the English Baroque style. Construction began in 1714 and was completed by 1724, making St Mary le Strand the first of the twelve churches built under the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches, also known as the Queen Anne Churches. Its design includes a semi-circular porch inspired by Santa Maria della Pace in Rome, Corinthian columns, and a graceful steeple that replaced an originally planned statue of Queen Anne after her death in 1714.Significance and Strategic Location
Situated prominently on the Strand, the church occupies a key position on the historic processional route from St James’s Palace to St Paul’s Cathedral. This location not only served ceremonial functions but also ensured the church’s visibility and importance within London’s religious and civic life. The church is also closely linked visually and historically with nearby St Clement Danes Church, enhancing its landmark status.Interior Artistry and Memorials
Inside, the church is noted for its elegant simplicity with a single nave and no aisles, directing attention upwards to the richly decorated ceiling plasterwork by Chrysostom Wilkins. The ceiling features hand-moulded and gilded motifs, some interpreted as subtle political symbols from the era. Post-World War II, St Mary le Strand became the official church of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), with memorials and handmade cushions commemorating their service.Preservation and Contemporary Role
Despite threats of demolition in the 20th century due to road widening, the church has been preserved as a vital historic and spiritual site. Recent pedestrianisation of the surrounding area has enhanced its visibility and accessibility. Current plans aim to restore and adapt the church for modern use, including step-free access and flexible event spaces, ensuring its role as a welcoming sanctuary and cultural venue continues.Architectural Legacy and Cultural Impact
St Mary le Strand is widely acclaimed as one of the finest 18th-century churches in London, celebrated for its Baroque architecture and historical significance. It represents a key moment in London’s post-Great Fire rebuilding and the assertion of Anglican presence in the city. The church’s survival through centuries of change and its ongoing community role underscore its importance as both a religious and architectural landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Strand
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Victoria Embankment
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Michael Faraday Statue
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King's Reach commemoration memorial
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Royal Opera House
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Bow St
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Waterloo Bridge
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Henry Fawcett Monument
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Huntfun Covent Garden
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Courtauld Gallery
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Hidden London - Aldwych Station
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National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
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King's College Chapel
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King's College London
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Somerset House
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Aldwych Theatre
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Mamma Mia!
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Novello Theatre
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Duchess Theatre
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Lyceum Theatre
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Peacock Theatre
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Theatre Royal Drury Lane
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London Film Museum
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Fortune Theatre
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Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Sarastro
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Balthazar
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Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
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Chez Antoinette
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Margot
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Rules
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Inamo Covent Garden
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Cora Pearl Covent Garden
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Palm Court Brasserie
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Flat Iron Covent Garden
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Clos Maggiore
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Bustronome London
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Twinings - The Strand
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The Old Curiosity Shop
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London Transport Museum - Shop
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Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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The Moomin Shop London
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MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Floral Street
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Rokit Covent Garden
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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American Bar
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Crusting Pipe
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The Understudy
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Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Baroque
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- 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
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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
