Grosvenor Chapel: A Historic Mayfair Sanctuary with Anglo-Catholic Heritage
Historic 18th-century Mayfair chapel blending Georgian elegance with Anglo-Catholic tradition and wartime American ties.
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair on South Audley Street, Grosvenor Chapel is an elegant 18th-century Anglican chapel known for its classical Georgian architecture and rich Anglo-Catholic tradition. Founded in 1730 by Sir Richard Grosvenor, it features a luminous interior redesigned by architect John Ninian Comper in 1912-13. The chapel has historic ties to notable figures and served American forces during World War II, continuing today as a welcoming spiritual home in central London.
A brief summary to Grosvenor Chapel
- 24 S Audley St, London, W1K 2PA, GB
- +442074991684
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to enjoy the chapel’s peaceful interior and avoid crowds.
- Look for the distinctive rood and stained glass windows by John Ninian Comper inside.
- Explore the chapel’s connection to WWII American forces commemorated by a tablet on the west wall.
- If interested in film, note the chapel’s role in the wedding scene of the movie Love Actually.
- Use the step-free access ramp and auditory loop system if you require accessibility features.
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 London Underground to Green Park station, which is approximately 1.2 km from Grosvenor Chapel. From there, a 15-20 minute walk on mostly flat, paved streets leads to the chapel. Green Park station is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. No direct parking is available nearby.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including numbers 22, 36, and 137, stop within a 5-10 minute walk of the chapel along South Audley Street or nearby streets. Bus travel times vary but typically range from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses are accessible and run frequently during the day.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations such as Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus to Grosvenor Chapel generally takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £8-£15. Drop-off is possible directly outside the chapel.
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Walking
For visitors staying in Mayfair or nearby neighborhoods, walking to Grosvenor Chapel is convenient. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Walking times vary from 5 to 20 minutes depending on starting point.
Grosvenor Chapel 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 Grosvenor Chapel
Origins and Architectural Roots
The Grosvenor Chapel's foundation stone was laid on April 7, 1730, by Sir Richard Grosvenor, a key figure in the development of Mayfair. Built by Benjamin Timbrell, a local builder, the chapel was completed and opened in April 1731 on land leased under a 99-year peppercorn rent. Its exterior presents a modest yet refined classical Georgian style, characterized by a simple rectangular brick structure with two tiers of arched windows, a shallow projection at the east end for the communion table, and a portico with a short spire and clock at the west. This design was influenced by prominent London churches such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and St George's Hanover Square, serving as a model for many New England churches.[1][6][7]Interior Transformation and Anglo-Catholic Influence
Originally a plain Georgian auditorium centered on the pulpit, the chapel’s interior was transformed in 1912-1913 by architect John Ninian Comper, who introduced Anglo-Catholic elements that emphasize the mystery of the altar. Comper’s work includes a screen of Ionic columns supporting a beam with a rood depicting the Crucifixion, flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, with angels below holding chalices. The south wall features three delicate stained glass windows with Comper’s signature strawberry motif. This refurbishment created a prayerful atmosphere that reflects the chapel’s liberal Catholic tradition within Anglicanism, a movement advanced by clergy such as the Revd H.R.L. Sheppard and Bishop Charles Gore.[1][2][3]Historical Significance and Notable Associations
The chapel has been a spiritual home to prominent historical figures including John Wilkes, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Florence Nightingale, and US General Dwight D. Eisenhower. During World War II, it served as the place of worship for American armed forces stationed in London, a legacy commemorated by a tablet on the west wall. Post-war, the chapel’s congregation included literary figures like Rose Macaulay and poet Sir John Betjeman. Though never a parish church, it became a chapel of ease to St George’s Hanover Square after the 1831 Grosvenor Chapel Act, integrating it into the parochial system.[1][5][6][9][10]Location and Contemporary Role
Situated on South Audley Street between Harry’s Bar and Thomas Goode, opposite Mayfair Public Library, the chapel offers a serene spiritual refuge amid the bustling West End. It remains open to visitors Monday to Friday, with services on Sundays and occasional offices on Saturdays. The chapel embraces an international and inclusive congregation, welcoming worshippers from various Christian traditions and those exploring faith. Its liberal catholic worship style combines reverence, beauty, and intellectual engagement. Accessibility is supported by step-free access and an auditory loop system beneath the south gallery.[9][7]Cultural Footprint and Media Presence
Grosvenor Chapel gained popular recognition as the filming location for the wedding scene in the film "Love Actually," where a surprise choir performance of The Beatles’ "All You Need Is Love" takes place. This connection adds a contemporary cultural layer to the chapel’s historic and religious significance, making it a point of interest for film enthusiasts and tourists alike.[3][7]Architectural and Spiritual Atmosphere
The chapel’s modest brick exterior belies the luminous and richly adorned interior, where natural light floods through clear-glazed windows onto white-painted walls and a plaster barrel vault ceiling. The Lady Chapel, formed from the original sanctuary behind Comper’s screen, retains its pedimented reredos and evokes a sense of contemplative calm. The blend of Georgian simplicity with Anglo-Catholic ornamentation creates a unique spiritual environment that invites reflection and reverence, distinguishing Grosvenor Chapel as a cherished historic and living place of worship in London.[2][4][6]Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
38 Grosvenor Sq
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Roosevelt Memorial
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Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
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Speakers' Corner
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Machine Gun Corps Memorial
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Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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Wellington Arch
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Royal Artillery Memorial
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Burlington House
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3 Savile Row
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Ziggy Stardust album cover
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Former EMI House (Beatles album cover photo)
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Constitution Hill
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Beau Brummell Statue
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Liberty’s clock
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Unmissable attractions to see
Thomas Goode & Co
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Mount Street Gardens
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The Punch Bowl
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Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, Mayfair
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Park Ln
0.2 km
Prestigious Park Lane in London blends historic grandeur with luxury hotels, upscale shops, and serene Hyde Park views along its iconic 1.1 km stretch.
Clermont Club
0.3 km
London's most exclusive private members' club, where Mayfair's elite gather in historic elegance.
Grosvenor Sq
0.3 km
Grosvenor Square: London's historic garden square blending aristocratic heritage, American diplomacy, and modern urban renewal in Mayfair.
Curzon Mayfair
0.4 km
Experience London’s premier art-house cinema in a stunning Grade II listed 1960s building, blending cinematic heritage with modern luxury.
Berkeley Square
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Shepherd Market
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Discover Shepherd Market, a charming historic village in Mayfair blending boutique shops, cozy pubs, and rich London heritage.
Mercato Mayfair
0.5 km
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Animals In War Memorial
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Explore the Animals In War Memorial in London, a moving tribute honoring the bravery of animals in military service throughout history.
Statue of Achilles
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Sprueth Magers Gallery
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Queen Elizabeth Gate
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Explore the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth Gate, a historic entryway to Hyde Park, blending rich heritage with natural beauty in the heart of London.
Essential places to dine
Apricity Restaurant
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Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
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Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
HIDE
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Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
sketch
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Little Social
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Seven Park Place by William Drabble
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An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
The Grenadier
0.9 km
Discover The Grenadier, a historic and haunted London pub steeped in military legacy and timeless charm in the heart of Belgravia.
Quaglino's
0.9 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Great British Restaurant
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Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
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.
Kingly Court
1.0 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
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Experience two Michelin-starred historic British cuisine reimagined with modern artistry at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the heart of Knightsbridge.
Starbucks Coffee
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A vibrant Starbucks café in Carnaby offering expertly crafted coffee, fresh food, and a lively urban atmosphere in central London.
Golden Lion
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Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
1.0 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.6 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
LONGCHAMP
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Burlington Arcade
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Discover a luxurious shopping experience at Burlington Arcade, where timeless elegance meets exquisite craftsmanship in the heart of London.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
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Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Regent St.
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London's elegant mile of style, where Regency architecture meets world-class flagship stores and timeless shopping heritage.
Piccadilly Arcade
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Discover Edwardian elegance and bespoke luxury in Piccadilly Arcade, a historic shopping gem linking Piccadilly and Jermyn Street in London.
Hamleys
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Seven floors of toy wonder in London's most iconic toy shop since 1760.
Fortnum & Mason
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Princes Arcade
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Kingly Ct
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Oxford St
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Europe’s busiest shopping street, Oxford Street offers iconic department stores, high-street fashion, and vibrant retail energy in central London.
Liberty
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Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival icon blending heritage craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and timeless design in the heart of London’s West End.
Prestat Chocolates
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John Lobb St. James
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace
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Cahoots London
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The Argyll Arms
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Disrepute - Soho
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The Red Lion, Mayfair
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Purl London
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Duke of Argyll
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The Thin White Duke
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NQ64 Soho
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Basement Sate
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Village Soho
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The New York Bar
1.3 km
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Duke Of Wellington
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Bbar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.6 km
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Carwash Nightclub
0.7 km
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Tabu London
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The Cuckoo Club
0.9 km
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The Scotch of St James
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Sunset night club
1.1 km
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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
1.2 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Box Soho
1.3 km
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Versity Camp Nightclub
1.3 km
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Sophisticats Soho
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Bordello London
1.3 km
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101 Nightclub London
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St Moritz Club
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Tiger Tiger London
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Luxe Club
1.3 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage 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
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
