St Anne & St Agnes Church: A Historic City Sanctuary with a Musical Heart
Discover St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historic City sanctuary blending Dutch-inspired architecture with a vibrant musical legacy.
Nestled on Gresham Street in London’s historic City, St Anne & St Agnes Church is a unique Anglican church with a double dedication, rich history dating back to 1137, and a striking post-Great Fire design inspired by Dutch architecture. Having survived fires, plague, and wartime bombings, it now serves as the VOCES8 Centre, a vibrant hub for vocal music education and community programs.
A brief summary to St Anne & St Agnes Church
- St Anne & St Agnes Church, Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BX, GB
- +442077960149
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesdays when the church is typically open to the public for a rare chance to explore its serene interior.
- Attend a VOCES8 concert or event to experience the church’s exceptional acoustics and vibrant musical heritage.
- Look for historic fittings inside the church, sourced from other City churches destroyed during WWII.
- Observe the 14th-century stone spire and remnants of the Roman city wall visible near the church exterior.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Bank or St Paul’s stations, both approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the church. Bus routes 8, 25, and 242 serve nearby stops on Gresham Street. Tickets range from £1.75 to £3.50 depending on travel zones.
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Walking
From St Paul’s Cathedral, enjoy a 15-minute walk through the historic City streets to reach the church. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations such as Covent Garden or the West End typically takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £10-£20.
St Anne & St Agnes Church 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 Anne & St Agnes Church
Origins and Early History of a City Landmark
St Anne & St Agnes Church traces its origins back to 1137, making it one of the City of London’s oldest ecclesiastical sites. Originally documented as St Agnes near Alderychgate, the church’s name evolved over centuries, acquiring a rare double dedication to St Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, and St Agnes, a young Christian martyr. This double dedication is unique among City churches and reflects the layered history of the parish.Architectural Heritage and Post-Fire Reconstruction
The church’s architecture is notable for its Dutch influences, believed to be modeled on the Nieuwe Kerk in Haarlem. Rebuilt in 1680 after the Great Fire of London, the design incorporates a Greek cross plan — a square within a square — which creates a harmonious and symmetrical interior space. While traditionally attributed to Sir Christopher Wren, recent scholarship suggests Robert Hooke may have played a significant role, reflecting his interest in Dutch styles. The 14th-century stone spire is the only surviving medieval element, having withstood multiple disasters.Survival Through Turmoil and Restoration
Throughout its history, St Anne & St Agnes has endured considerable adversity. It was gutted by fire in 1548, heavily damaged in the Great Fire of 1666, and suffered near destruction during the London Blitz in 1940. Each time, the church was painstakingly restored, with post-war renovations incorporating fittings salvaged from other bombed City churches. The church was designated a Grade I listed building in 1950, underscoring its architectural and historical significance.A Center for Faith, Music, and Community
From 1966 to 2013, the church was home to a Lutheran congregation, fostering a strong musical tradition, particularly noted for its Bach Vespers. Since 2013, it has been the VOCES8 Centre, operated by the VOCES8 Foundation, an educational charity focused on vocal music. The church’s superb acoustics and serene interior make it a unique venue for concerts, workshops, and community education programs, serving thousands of children annually.Notable Connections and Cultural Legacy
The church has historical ties to prominent figures such as poet John Milton, author John Bunyan, and John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who preached here twice. The parish was once closely associated with the Percy family, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland, influential in medieval London. These connections enrich the church’s cultural narrative, linking it to wider religious and literary history.Present-Day Role and Visitor Experience
Today, St Anne & St Agnes offers visitors a tranquil retreat amid the bustling City. Its distinctive architecture, historic artifacts salvaged from other churches, and peaceful atmosphere invite reflection. Though it no longer holds regular Sunday services, the church opens occasionally for visitors and events. Its role as the VOCES8 Centre ensures it remains a vibrant part of London’s cultural and educational landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.2 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
London City wall
0.2 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.3 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Temple Bar London
0.3 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Queen Anne Statue
0.4 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Holborn Viaduct
0.6 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
Ludgate Circus
0.6 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
St James Garlickhythe
0.6 km
Wren's luminous masterpiece on Garlick Hill, where medieval history meets architectural brilliance and mystery.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.7 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.7 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
0.7 km
Explore the historic IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth, a stunning Anglican church offering a blend of spirituality, architecture, and community in the heart of London.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
0.7 km
Historic St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, London, famed for its wedding cake spire and deep ties to printing and journalism heritage.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant intersection of commerce and culture at Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange in London's financial district.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.1 km
Historic Georgian church at London’s eastern City gate, blending medieval roots with Victorian artistry and community resilience.
Postman's Park
0.1 km
A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
London Wall Museum Of London
0.1 km
Explore the ancient Roman city wall and artefacts at the Museum of London London Wall, a unique historical gem in Barbican.
St Vedast alias Foster
0.2 km
A historic City of London church blending medieval roots, Wren’s baroque spire, and wartime resilience in a tranquil urban sanctuary.
St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
0.2 km
Historic garden marking the site of Wren’s St Mary Aldermanbury church, linking Shakespeare, Churchill, and transatlantic heritage in the heart of London.
The City Of London Police Museum
0.2 km
Explore the rich history of London's oldest police force within the City’s historic Guildhall complex.
Guildhall Library
0.3 km
Discover London’s history through the world’s largest city-focused library, housed within the historic Guildhall complex.
One New Change
0.3 km
Discover premier shopping, dining, and stunning rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral in the heart of London's financial district.
St Lawrence Jewry
0.3 km
Discover St Lawrence Jewry, Wren’s exquisite 17th-century guild church and the official sanctuary of London’s Lord Mayor, rich in history and serene beauty.
St Giles Cripplegate
0.3 km
Explore St Giles Cripplegate, a historic Anglican church in London's Barbican, rich in culture and architectural beauty, perfect for history lovers.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.3 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St. Paul's Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of London, offering stunning views and rich history.
Guildhall Art Gallery
0.3 km
Discover London’s rich art heritage and ancient Roman past beneath the striking semi-Gothic facade of the Guildhall Art Gallery.
Guildhall
0.3 km
Step into Guildhall, London's medieval heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and legendary giants tell the story of the City’s enduring power and history.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
0.3 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, a must-visit historical landmark in the heart of London.
London's Roman Amphitheatre
0.4 km
Step beneath Guildhall Yard to explore London’s only Roman amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old arena of gladiators, wild beasts, and ancient spectacle.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.3 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
St. John
0.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
14 Hills
1.2 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.2 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.3 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.3 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.4 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
George
1.4 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.4 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.4 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
La Dame de Pic London
1.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Lyle's
1.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.6 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Sarastro
1.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.4 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
The Royal Exchange
0.7 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.0 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
London Silver Vaults
1.1 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Twinings - The Strand
1.2 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.2 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.2 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Borough Yards
1.2 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
j-me original design ltd
1.3 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Middlesex Textiles
1.4 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Sugar And Style
1.4 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
The Store X
1.4 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Exmouth Market
1.4 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.4 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Unique Gifts
1.4 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Punch Tavern
0.7 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Black Parrot
0.7 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
0.7 km
London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.7 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
0.8 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
Flight Club Shoreditch
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Aviary
0.9 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.0 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
1.0 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.0 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.1 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Old Bank of England
1.1 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Lyaness
1.2 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.2 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Dirty Dicks
1.2 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.8 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
0.9 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
XOYO LONDON
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.6 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Carwash Nightclub
1.7 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
1.7 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.8 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.9 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Roxy
2.1 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.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
2.1 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Cirque Du Soul
2.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.1 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Ministry of Sound
2.1 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic 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
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- 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
