St George's Church, Hanover Square: A Georgian Architectural and Cultural Landmark in London
Historic Georgian church in Mayfair, famed for Handel’s music, elegant worship, and a premier London wedding venue.
St George's Church, Hanover Square, built between 1721 and 1725 by architect John James, stands as a distinguished example of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture in London's West End. Serving the historic parish of Mayfair, it is renowned for its dignified worship, rich musical heritage linked to composer Handel, and its role as a fashionable wedding venue. Today, it continues as a spiritual sanctuary and cultural venue, hosting concerts and the annual London Handel Festival.
A brief summary to St George's Church, Hanover Square
- The Vestry, 2A Mill St, London, W1S 1FX, GB
- +442076290874
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Attend one of the many concerts hosted here, especially during the London Handel Festival, to experience the church’s rich musical heritage.
- Visit during weekday prayer times for a peaceful, reflective atmosphere away from the bustling city.
- Explore the church’s classical architecture and the historic Venetian stained glass above the altar.
- Consider the church as a unique wedding venue steeped in history if planning a ceremony in London.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Oxford Circus station, then walk approximately 10 minutes through Mayfair to reach St George's Church. The route is mostly flat and accessible, with frequent train services operating every 2-5 minutes. No additional cost beyond standard fare applies.
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Bus
Use London bus routes 6, 7, or 98 to Hanover Square or nearby stops. From there, the church is a 5-minute walk. Buses run frequently during the day with fares payable by contactless or Oyster card, typically costing £1.75 per journey.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations to St George's Church usually takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from £8 to £15. Note that parking is limited in the area.
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Walking
If staying in the West End or Mayfair, walking to St George's is pleasant and takes around 10-15 minutes. The terrain is flat and paved, suitable for most visitors including those with limited mobility.
St George's Church, Hanover Square 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's Church, Hanover Square
Foundations of a Georgian Parish Church
St George's Church, Hanover Square was constructed from 1721 to 1725, designed by John James, an assistant to Sir Christopher Wren. It was commissioned as part of the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches, responding to London's growing population and expanding westward into areas like Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico. The church was consecrated on 23 March 1725 by Edmund Gibson, Bishop of London. The site was donated by General William Steuart, who laid the first stone with a ceremonial libation. The building cost £10,000, funded by a tax on coal, and was intended to serve the spiritual needs of the new affluent residential district developing around Hanover Square.Architectural Grandeur and Artistic Features
St George's is a fine example of Georgian architecture, notable for its classical front featuring six Corinthian columns—the first of its kind in London. The church's interior holds a Venetian window above the altar containing 16th-century stained glass from Antwerp, acquired in 1840. The organ, originally installed in 1725 and replaced by a John Snetzler instrument in 1761, retains original casing elements and is particularly suited to baroque music. These architectural and artistic elements have been carefully preserved and gently enriched over centuries, maintaining the church’s historic character while supporting its active liturgical and cultural life.A Hub of Worship, Music, and Community Life
St George's has long been known for its dignified worship rooted in the Book of Common Prayer and its magnificent musical tradition. The composer George Frideric Handel, who lived nearby on Brook Street, was a regular worshipper for 35 years and influenced the church’s musical direction. Today, the church hosts a busy programme of concerts, including the London Handel Festival, Mayfair Organ Concerts, and Hanover Square Lunchtime Concerts. Beyond worship and music, the church serves a diverse congregation of residents, workers, and visitors, offering a place of sanctuary and prayer in the bustling city.Historical Significance and Social Role
As the parish church of Mayfair, St George's has historically been a fashionable wedding venue for London's aristocracy and wealthy classes, peaking in the Regency era with over a thousand weddings annually. Notable figures such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, Benjamin Disraeli, and Theodore Roosevelt were married here. The parish itself was carved out of St Martin-in-the-Fields in 1724, encompassing some of London's most prestigious neighborhoods. Over time, the church also engaged with social outreach, including establishing a parish school for poor children in the early 19th century, reflecting its evolving role in the community.Continuity and Cultural Legacy
Despite the passage of three centuries, St George's remains a living institution, balancing tradition with contemporary relevance. It continues to offer formal, reflective worship and maintains a reputation for spiritual discipline and music excellence. The church’s cultural contributions extend beyond religious services, acting as a concert venue and home to orchestras. Its preservation as a Georgian architectural gem and its ongoing community engagement underscore its enduring importance in London’s spiritual and cultural landscape.Setting and Atmosphere
Located on George Street, just south of Hanover Square, the church is nestled in the heart of London's West End. Its classical façade and historic interiors provide a serene contrast to the vibrant urban surroundings. The atmosphere inside is one of contemplative calm, enriched by choral music and the legacy of centuries of worshippers. The church remains open weekdays with daily prayers and regular communion services, welcoming all who seek spiritual solace or cultural enrichment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Burlington House
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Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
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Grosvenor Sq
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Roosevelt Memorial
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Beau Brummell Statue
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St James's Piccadilly
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38 Grosvenor Sq
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Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
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London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
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225 Piccadilly Circus
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Piccadilly Circus
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The Smallest Gallery in Soho
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Chinatown Gate
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Blind Pig at Mary's est. 2024
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Discover The Blind Pig at Mary's in London - a vibrant bar offering innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Bond St
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Discover Bond Street, London’s iconic luxury shopping street where history, high fashion, and exclusive boutiques converge in elegant Mayfair.
See Your City
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Discover London's magic with See Your City: expertly guided tours and experiences that unveil the essence of England's vibrant capital.
Fenwick
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Fenwick Bond Street: A historic London department store blending timeless elegance with modern fashion, now closed but forever iconic.
Regent St.
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Discover the timeless elegance and world-class shopping of Regent Street, London’s premier mile of style and culture in the heart of the West End.
Hamleys
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Discover the magic of Hamleys, London's iconic toy store, where imagination comes to life with seven floors of endless fun and excitement.
Savile Row
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Savile Row, London’s legendary street, is the global heart of bespoke tailoring, where tradition meets timeless style and craftsmanship.
Handel Hendrix House
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Where Handel composed Messiah and Jimi Hendrix made his only London home – a unique double portrait of musical genius in Mayfair.
Liberty’s clock
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Discover Liberty’s Clock, a charming emblem on London’s iconic Tudor revival department store blending historic craftsmanship with vibrant design heritage.
Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
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An intimate bronze sculpture of Churchill and Roosevelt sharing a bench, symbolizing 50 years of peace and the enduring UK-US alliance on London’s New Bond Street.
Liberty
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Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival treasure in the heart of London, blending historic craftsmanship with iconic luxury fabrics and design.
British Tours
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Kingly Ct
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Discover Kingly Court, a colourful three-storey courtyard in Soho offering world-class dining, unique shops, and a vibrant atmosphere in London’s West End.
Sprueth Magers Gallery
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A leading contemporary art gallery in London’s West End showcasing innovative exhibitions by international artists.
Essential places to dine
sketch
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Little Social
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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.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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Social Eating House
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Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
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Mele e Pere
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Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Blanchette
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Kricket Soho
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Blacklock Soho
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A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bantof
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Apricity Restaurant
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The Punch Bowl
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Inamo
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Quaglino's
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Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
LONGCHAMP
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Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
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Canvas Collection
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Discover handmade ceramics, jewelry, and accessories in Carnaby's artistic gift haven—unique treasures from London's creative makers.
House of secrets
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Step into House of Secrets on Oxford Street and discover a magical world of Harry Potter collectibles and enchanting souvenirs in the heart of London.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
Pop Up 38
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CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
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Glassworks London - Soho
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Prestat Chocolates
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Piccadilly Arcade
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Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
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Machine-A
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Argyll Arms
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Basement Sate
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The Thin White Duke
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Village Soho
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Punch Room
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Duke Of Wellington
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Below
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The Nellie Dean
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The Admiral Duncan - Soho
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Henson's Bar and Social
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Cuckoo Club
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Tabu London
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Bordello London
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St Moritz Club
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The Box Soho
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Sophisticats Soho
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Luxe Club
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Tiger Tiger London
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
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
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Solo Female Friendly
