St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
One of London's finest surviving medieval churches, St Helen's Bishopsgate stands as a testament to over 800 years of history in the heart of the City. Its distinctive dual-nave architecture reflects its unique past as both a parish church and adjacent Benedictine nunnery. Beautifully restored after IRA bomb damage in the 1990s, the church now welcomes visitors to explore its remarkable collection of funerary monuments and experience its vibrant evangelical ministry.
A brief summary to St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
- Great St Helen's, London, EC3A 6AT, GB
- +442072832231
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Request a visit by ringing the doorbell at reception; the church does not have regular visiting hours but accommodates visitors between 9am–5pm on weekdays where possible.
- Study the six great arches from around 1480 that separate the two naves—they represent the architectural heart of the church's unique dual design.
- Explore the funerary monuments and tombs of Tudor and medieval figures; the collection rivals Westminster Abbey in historical significance and artistic quality.
- Attend a public service or Bible study to experience the church's vibrant evangelical community and witness the space in active spiritual use.
- Notice the restored medieval floor level and modern gallery added during the 1993–1995 restoration, which blend contemporary function with historical authenticity.
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 Circle, District, or Hammersmith & City line to Aldgate station. Exit and follow signs toward Bishopsgate Street; St Helen's Church is located on Great St Helen's, approximately 5–7 minutes' walk northeast from the station. The route is straightforward through the City's street network.
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London Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Bishopsgate area, including routes 8, 15, 35, 47, and 48. Alight at stops near Bishopsgate or Aldgate and walk to Great St Helen's. Journey times vary depending on traffic, typically 15–30 minutes from central London locations. Buses run frequently throughout the day.
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Walking from Liverpool Street
From Liverpool Street Station, walk south along Bishopsgate Street for approximately 8–10 minutes. The church is located on Great St Helen's, a small street just off Bishopsgate. The walk is flat and passes through the historic City of London, with clear street signage.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Request a taxi or ride-share service to Great St Helen's, London EC3A 6AT. Journey times from central London typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Parking in the immediate area is limited; ride-share drop-off is the most practical option.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
A Medieval Gem with Dual Origins
St Helen's Church possesses one of the most unusual architectural configurations in London, a direct result of its extraordinary history. First recorded around 1140, the church originally served as a parish church in Bishopsgate Ward. In 1210, the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's granted permission for a Benedictine nunnery to be established on adjacent land. Rather than build a separate chapel, the nuns' church was constructed immediately alongside the existing parish church, creating a remarkable double structure. The nuns' church was built four feet wider and longer than the original parish church, prompting the parishioners to extend their own nave to match. This explains the church's distinctive appearance today: two parallel naves of nearly equal size, separated by a magnificent arcade of six great arches that date from around 1480. A wooden screen once divided the two spaces, allowing the nuns to worship separately from the parishioners while sharing the same building.Royal Patronage and Medieval Significance
During the medieval period, St Helen's gained considerable prominence. In 1285, King Edward I visited the church to present it with a piece of the True Cross, reportedly discovered in Wales. This relic built upon the church's dedication to St Helen, the legendary fourth-century saint who, according to tradition, discovered the original crosses in Jerusalem. The gift elevated St Helen's status considerably, and wealthy London residents contributed generously to the nunnery's upkeep. The church became a centre of spiritual importance and accumulated an extraordinary collection of funerary monuments belonging to prominent Tudor and medieval figures, rivalling even Westminster Abbey in the richness of its tombs and memorials.Dissolution and Transformation
The nunnery's fate changed dramatically during the Reformation. In the 1530s, Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries claimed the religious house, and the nunnery buildings were surrendered to the Crown. Thomas Cromwell subsequently obtained the convent buildings and land, which he sold to the Leathersellers' Company. The company used the refectory of the old nunnery as their hall and occupied the surrounding buildings until 1799, when the remaining convent structures were demolished to make way for a new Leathersellers' Hall. The church itself, however, was permitted to remain and continue its parish functions. Once the wooden screen separating the two naves was removed, the building took on the unified form it retains today, though its dual origins remain evident in its distinctive architectural character.Survival Through Fire and Conflict
St Helen's proved remarkably resilient through London's turbulent history. It was one of only a few City churches to survive the Great Fire of London in 1666, and it also endured the bombing campaigns of World War II. However, the church faced its greatest modern challenge in the 1990s. On 10 April 1992, an IRA bomb exploded outside the nearby Baltic Exchange, approximately 55 metres from the church's east end. The blast shattered all of the church's glass windows, lifted the roof, and completely destroyed the east window of the nuns' choir. The organ was severely damaged, along with several important monuments. A second bomb on 20 April caused further destruction. Rather than diminish the building, the extensive damage prompted a comprehensive restoration that would ultimately enhance the church's future.Contemporary Restoration and Renewed Purpose
Architect Quinlan Terry oversaw the restoration between 1993 and 1995, seizing the opportunity to undertake significant improvements. The floor was restored to its original medieval level, allowing for the installation of modern underfloor heating while maintaining historical authenticity. A new gallery was installed along the full width of the west end, and modern lighting and public address systems were added. The organ was returned to its original position, and a new east window was created to replace the destroyed one. The restoration also reflected the church's evolving liturgical needs, as it had developed a strong tradition of Anglican Evangelical worship focused on biblical preaching. The result is a church that honours its medieval grandeur while serving contemporary spiritual needs, creating a flexible, luminous space that retains all the majesty of its ancient architecture.A Living Monument to London's Past
Today, St Helen's stands as one of the City of London's most significant ecclesiastical treasures. Its Grade I listed status reflects its architectural and historical importance. The church's remarkable collection of funerary monuments tells the stories of prominent Londoners from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, including Sir John Crosby, Sir Thomas Gresham, and Sir Julius Caesar Adelmare. These monuments provide windows into the lives of the merchants, nobles, and civic leaders who shaped medieval and Tudor London. The church's evangelical ministry continues to draw worshippers and visitors alike, creating a vibrant community within this ancient space. St Helen's represents a remarkable continuity of purpose across more than eight centuries, from its origins as a parish church and nunnery through its transformation into a modern evangelical centre, all while preserving the architectural and spiritual essence that has defined it since the Middle Ages.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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Location Audience
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