St Giles in the Fields: A Historic Sanctuary in London's West End
Discover St Giles in the Fields, a historic London church with roots in medieval care, elegant Palladian architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
St Giles in the Fields is a historic Anglican parish church located at 60 St Giles High Street, London. Founded in 1101 as a chapel for a leper hospital established by Queen Matilda, it has evolved through centuries of religious, social, and architectural change. The current Palladian-style building, designed by Henry Flitcroft and completed in 1734, stands as a testament to the area's rich history, from medieval care for the sick to its role in London's urban development and cultural heritage.
A brief summary to St Giles in the Fields
- 60 St Giles High St, London, WC2H 8LG, GB
- +442072402532
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and to appreciate the church’s architectural details.
- Explore the churchyard to find historic memorials and learn about the area's social history.
- Attend a Sunday service to experience the church’s active community and spiritual atmosphere.
- Look for the Resurrection Gate bas-relief, a striking artistic feature relocated in the 19th century.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
London Underground
Take the Northern or Central Line to Tottenham Court Road Station, approximately a 7-10 minute walk to St Giles in the Fields. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and the walk is on mostly flat, paved streets suitable for all mobility levels.
-
Bus
Several London bus routes stop near St Giles High Street, including routes 1, 8, 19, and 38. Bus travel times vary between 15-25 minutes from central London locations. Note that traffic congestion can affect schedules during peak hours.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London areas such as Covent Garden or Soho typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Costs generally range from £8 to £15, with potential surcharges during peak times.
St Giles in the Fields location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Giles in the Fields
Origins Rooted in Compassion and Care
St Giles in the Fields began its life in the early 12th century as a chapel attached to a leper hospital founded by Queen Matilda, wife of Henry I. Situated then outside the City of London, it served as a place of refuge and care for those afflicted with leprosy, a disease surrounded by stigma and isolation. The hospital and chapel formed the nucleus of a small village, giving rise to the parish that would bear the church’s name. This early foundation reflects a medieval commitment to charity and healing, integral to the church’s identity over the centuries.Architectural Evolution and Patronage
The church standing today is the third on the site, replacing earlier structures that dated back to the 12th and 17th centuries. The second church, built between 1623 and 1631, was a Gothic brick building funded in part by Alice, Duchess Dudley, a prominent local benefactor. By the early 18th century, the church had deteriorated, prompting a significant rebuild. Between 1730 and 1734, Henry Flitcroft, a noted Palladian architect, designed the current elegant structure, consecrated on Christmas Day 1733. Its classical proportions and refined style contrast with the church’s humble origins, symbolizing the parish’s growth and the changing tastes of the era.Historical Significance and Social Context
St Giles in the Fields has long been intertwined with the social fabric of London. The churchyard was historically the site of gallows and a place where condemned prisoners received their last refreshments, known as the 'St Giles’s Bowl.' It also witnessed the burial of thousands during plague outbreaks, including the devastating 1665 pandemic. The surrounding area, once a notorious slum known as the St Giles Rookery, housed many impoverished residents, including Irish immigrants fleeing famine in the 19th century. The church’s role extended beyond worship, serving as a community anchor amid hardship and change.Memorials and Cultural Heritage
Within and around St Giles are memorials to notable figures linked to British history and colonial expansion. The churchyard holds the graves of Roman Catholic martyrs and the chest tomb of Richard Penderel, who famously aided King Charles II’s escape after the Battle of Worcester. Inside, plaques commemorate individuals such as Cecilius Calvert, the first proprietor of Maryland, reflecting the parish’s connections to wider historical narratives. The church also supports contemporary social groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, continuing its tradition of community care.Architectural Features and Artistic Highlights
The church’s Palladian design features a balanced façade and classical elements typical of the 18th century. Noteworthy is the Resurrection Gate, adorned with a bas-relief of the Day of Judgement, relocated in the 19th century to a prominent position. The interior houses stained-glass windows and galleries that echo its rich past. The church’s illuminated manuscript, known as the Doomsday Book, records the names of subscribers who funded the 17th-century rebuilding, offering a unique glimpse into its patronage history.St Giles Today: A Living Heritage Site
Today, St Giles in the Fields remains an active parish church at the heart of London’s vibrant West End. It stands not only as an architectural landmark but also as a symbol of resilience and service, bridging nearly a millennium of history. Visitors can explore its grounds, reflect on its layered past, and appreciate its ongoing role in spiritual life and community support within a bustling urban environment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Denmark St
0.1 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
0.1 km
Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Historic Seven Dials
0.2 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Slingsby Place
0.4 km
Explore Slingsby Place, a serene scenic point in London, offering lush greenery and stunning architecture perfect for relaxation and memorable photographs.
Agatha Christie memorial
0.4 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
190 High Holborn
0.4 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
Bedford Square & Montague Pl
0.5 km
Discover Bedford Square & Montague Place, a serene Georgian oasis in Bloomsbury with elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Bow St
0.5 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Goodwin’s Court
0.5 km
Experience the serene charm of Goodwin's Court, a historic landmark in London, perfect for leisurely strolls and captivating photography.
Royal Opera House
0.5 km
Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
Cecil Court
0.5 km
Step into a cobbled alley where books, history, and magic converge in the heart of London.
Covent Garden, street shows
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant energy of Covent Garden, where street performances, shopping, and history come together in the heart of London.
St Paul’s Church Covent Garden
0.5 km
Historic neo-classical church in Covent Garden, famed as the Actors’ Church with deep theatrical roots and an iconic classical portico.
Chinatown Gate
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of London's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a cultural gem filled with culinary delights and rich heritage.
Harry Potter Statue
0.5 km
Where the boy wizard takes flight in London's cinematic heart—a bronze tribute to magic and movie history.
Unmissable attractions to see
12 Bar Club
0.0 km
Historic London music venue famed for intimate gigs, antifolk festivals, and a vibrant independent spirit on legendary Denmark Street.
The Phoenix Garden
0.1 km
A vibrant community garden and wildlife haven offering a peaceful green escape in London’s bustling West End.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
0.1 km
Europe’s largest sci-fi and fantasy megastore in London’s West End, a paradise for comic, manga, and pop culture fans.
Priscilla The Party
0.1 km
Experience the dazzling, immersive drag musical party inspired by Priscilla Queen of the Desert at HERE at Outernet, Soho’s cutting-edge venue.
Phoenix Theatre
0.1 km
Experience timeless West End theatre in the elegant, Italian-inspired Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road, home to iconic productions since 1930.
ODEON Covent Garden
0.1 km
Historic West End theatre turned iconic cinema, now poised for a vibrant new chapter in live arts and hospitality on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Phoenix Arts Club
0.1 km
West End's best-kept secret: intimate cabaret, burlesque, and theatre in a deliberately seductive speakeasy.
Foyles
0.2 km
Explore Foyles, London's legendary bookshop, where literature, coffee, and culture blend seamlessly in a vibrant atmosphere.
1 Soho Place
0.2 km
Contemporary business park in the heart of Soho, blending modern workspaces with London's vibrant cultural scene.
Neal's Yard
0.2 km
Discover Neal's Yard, a colorful, hidden courtyard in Covent Garden bursting with independent shops, artisan eateries, and vibrant charm.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.2 km
A vibrant, colorful courtyard in Covent Garden where alternative culture, sustainability, and community spirit thrive in the heart of London.
The Shaftesbury Theatre
0.2 km
Experience iconic West End theatre in a historic, steel-framed London venue renowned for its rich heritage and outstanding performances.
Dominion Theatre
0.2 km
Step into the spotlight at Dominion Theatre, London’s grand West End venue hosting blockbuster musicals like The Devil Wears Prada in a stunning art deco setting.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.2 km
Discover the finest British and Irish cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Victorian Penny Chute
0.2 km
Discover the Victorian Penny Chute in Soho—a charming historic coin chute that channels charity donations through time at the House of St Barnabas.
Essential places to dine
Noble Rot Soho
0.2 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.2 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Circus
0.3 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Hoppers Soho
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Quo Vadis
0.3 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Gauthier Soho
0.4 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Meet Fresh
0.4 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.4 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Inamo
0.4 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Margot
0.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Goldsmith Vintage
0.1 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Primark
0.2 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Pop Boutique
0.2 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Good
0.2 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.2 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Radha's Boutique
0.3 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Fancy That of London
0.4 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
La Boutik
0.4 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.4 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Little Scarlet Door
0.2 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Swift Soho
0.2 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Bar Termini
0.2 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
The Coral Room
0.2 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Escapologist Bar
0.2 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Thirst Bar Soho
0.2 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.2 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.3 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
The Black Book
0.3 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
Prelude by Oriole
0.3 km
A refined Covent Garden cocktail bar blending innovative drinks, Latin American fusion cuisine, and live music in a stylish Asian-inspired setting.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.4 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
Covent Garden Social Club
0.4 km
Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
Ku Bar
0.4 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.4 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Roxy
0.2 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
La Capannina Club
0.2 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
The Ivy Club
0.3 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.4 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
St Moritz Club
0.5 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Sophisticats Soho
0.5 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.5 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.5 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.5 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
101 Nightclub London
0.5 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
0.5 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
The Penthouse London
0.5 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Carwash Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Sunset night club
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Classic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
