St Paul’s Church Covent Garden: The Historic Actors' Church

Architectural Origins and Design by Inigo Jones

St Paul’s Church Covent Garden was commissioned in 1631 by Francis Russell, the 4th Earl of Bedford, as part of the development of the Covent Garden Piazza. The church was designed by Inigo Jones, England’s first significant neo-classical architect, who modeled the piazza and church on Italian Renaissance principles inspired by Palladio. Completed by 1633 and consecrated in 1638, the church is notable for its austere, barn-like simplicity, which Jones famously described as the "handsomest barn in England." Its most striking feature is the grand Tuscan portico facing the piazza, originally intended as the main entrance. However, Christian tradition required the altar to be at the east end, so the portico is a false front, and the actual entrance is at the west end, giving the church its distinctive reversed layout.

Historical Significance and Theatrical Connections

St Paul’s quickly became intertwined with the vibrant theatrical life of Covent Garden, earning the nickname the "Actors’ Church." It served as a spiritual home for actors, playwrights, and other theatre professionals from the 17th century onward. The churchyard and interior walls are adorned with hundreds of plaques commemorating notable figures from the performing arts, including actors, directors, playwrights, and musicians. Famous individuals such as painter JMW Turner and composer Thomas Arne have been baptized or buried here. The church’s cultural significance is further highlighted by its association with historic events, including Samuel Pepys witnessing the first recorded Punch and Judy show under its portico and its connection to the legendary Nell Gwynne.

Challenges, Fire, and Restoration

In the late 18th century, St Paul’s fell into disrepair and underwent a major restoration led by architect Thomas Hardwick, completed in 1789. Tragically, a fire in 1795, caused by plumbers working on the bell turret, gutted much of the church, leaving only the walls standing. Hardwick was again commissioned to restore the church, which reopened in 1798 closely following Jones’s original design. Subsequent Victorian-era modifications, including the removal of side galleries and raising of the east end altar, altered the interior but preserved its historic character. The church has since remained an active place of worship and a cherished heritage site.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience Today

Today, St Paul’s Covent Garden continues to serve both its parish community and the theatrical world. The church’s interior offers a contemplative space filled with theatrical memorabilia and commemorative plaques, creating a unique blend of spirituality and cultural history. The churchyard, landscaped with rose bushes and garden benches, invites quiet reflection amid the bustling Covent Garden area. The iconic east portico remains a symbol of the church’s architectural and cultural identity, famously featured in Bernard Shaw’s "Pygmalion." The church also hosts a variety of events, including weddings, baptisms, memorials, and theatrical gatherings, maintaining its role as a living landmark.

Legacy and Cultural Importance

St Paul’s Church stands as a testament to early Protestant architecture in England and the enduring legacy of Inigo Jones’s neo-classical vision. Its historical layers—from its 17th-century origins through fires, restorations, and evolving theatrical ties—reflect the dynamic social and cultural fabric of London. The church’s commitment to inclusivity and the arts continues to attract visitors and worshippers alike, preserving its reputation as the heart of Covent Garden’s artistic community and a symbol of London’s rich heritage.

Notable Features and Surroundings

The church’s location on Bedford Street places it at the center of Covent Garden’s lively market and theatre district. Its Grade I listed status recognizes its architectural and historic significance. Visitors can admire the contrasting facades—the grand, imposing portico facing the piazza and the warmer, red-brick western entrance. Inside, the pulpit carved by Grinling Gibbons remains a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The church’s gardens, once a burial ground, now provide a peaceful green space amid the city’s hustle, linking past and present in a uniquely evocative setting.