St George the Martyr, Southwark: A Historic Georgian Church in London
Discover St George the Martyr, a historic Georgian church in Southwark with over 900 years of rich history and architectural heritage.
St George the Martyr, located on Borough High Street in London, is a Grade II* listed Anglican church with origins dating back to 1122. The current Georgian building, designed by John Price and completed in 1736, stands as one of the oldest dedications to St George in England. Rich in history, it features an ornate ceiling by Basil Champneys and survived extensive WWII bomb damage, with restorations preserving its heritage and community role.
A brief summary to St George the Martyr, Southwark
- Borough High St, London, SE1 1JA, GB
- +442073577331
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays between 9am and 5pm to experience the church's peaceful atmosphere and view its historic interior.
- Look for the stained glass east window featuring a small image of Little Dorrit, linking the church to Charles Dickens.
- Take time to admire the ornate ceiling designed by Basil Champneys, restored after WWII bomb damage.
- Explore the churchyard area, historically used as a burial ground for prisoners from the nearby Marshalsea prison.
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 Northern Line to Borough station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the church. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and walking routes are accessible but include some street crossings.
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Bus
Bus routes 21, 35, 133, and 343 stop near Borough High Street. Journey times vary from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run regularly throughout the day, but check schedules for evening services.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services provide direct access to Borough High Street. Travel time from central London is typically 15-25 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from £8 to £15.
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Walking
From London Bridge station, it is a 15-20 minute walk along well-paved urban streets. The route is flat and suitable for most visitors, offering views of the historic Borough area.
St George the Martyr, Southwark 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 the Martyr, Southwark
Ancient Origins and Early History
St George the Martyr's roots trace back over nine centuries, with the first recorded church on this site dating to 1122 under the patronage of Bermondsey Abbey. Its dedication to St George is notably one of the earliest in England, marking it as a rare and significant ecclesiastical landmark. The medieval church is depicted in Wyngaerde’s 1544 panorama of London, though little of the original structure remains today beyond some 16th and 17th-century silverware and burial markers from the early 1600s.Georgian Rebuilding and Architectural Features
By the early 18th century, the medieval church had fallen into ruin, prompting a complete rebuild between 1734 and 1736. Architect John Price designed the new church in a classical Georgian style, characterized by red brick complemented with Portland stone pediments, string courses, and dressings. This design remains largely intact and has earned the church its Grade II* listing, reflecting its national historic and architectural importance. The interior saw alterations in 1808, including the installation of box pews, and the galleries were modified to enhance the worship space.Artistic Enhancements and War-time Restoration
A highlight of the church’s interior is the ornate ceiling designed by Basil Champneys in 1897, which replaced the original plainer 18th-century ceiling. This ceiling suffered severe damage during the Second World War bombing raids, necessitating extensive restoration work completed in the early 1950s. The church’s stained glass windows, except for the St George window installed in 1933, were destroyed during the war and replaced post-war, including the east window designed by Marion Grant in 1951.Literary Connections and Community Role
St George the Martyr holds a special place in London’s cultural history, notably featuring in Charles Dickens’s novel "Little Dorrit." Dickens’s father was imprisoned nearby in Marshalsea prison, and the churchyard served as a burial ground for debtors from this prison. The church remains an active place of worship and community hub, serving both local residents and the surrounding institutions of London’s Knowledge Quarter.Preservation Challenges and Ongoing Care
Despite its historical significance and continued use, St George the Martyr faces challenges typical of an 18th-century building, including aging infrastructure and the need for ongoing restoration. It is currently listed on the Heritage “At Risk” register, with efforts focused on securing funding and support to preserve the church for future generations. The congregation and local community remain dedicated to maintaining the church’s role as a sanctuary of peace and historical continuity amid the bustling city.Setting and Atmosphere Today
Nestled on Borough High Street, the church offers a tranquil contrast to the vibrant urban surroundings. Its classical Georgian façade and serene interior invite reflection and admiration, while the echoes of centuries of worship and community life resonate within its walls. Visitors can appreciate not only the architectural beauty but also the deep historical layers that make St George the Martyr a unique and enduring London landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
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Historic England
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Monument to the Great Fire of London
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St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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Custom House
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London Stone (remaining part)
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113 Cannon St
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Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
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Blackfriars Bridge
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Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
City of London
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Experience the captivating blend of history and modernity in the City of London, where iconic landmarks meet vibrant culture and culinary delights.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
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20 Fenchurch St
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Tower Bridge
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Experience the grandeur of Tower Bridge, a Victorian marvel combining stunning architecture and engineering, offering breathtaking views of London's skyline.
College of Arms
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Wakefield Tower
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Unmissable attractions to see
Red Cross Garden
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Trinity Church Square
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Tranquil historic garden square in London with a Roman-rooted statue and a classical music rehearsal church at its heart.
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
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A poignant garden and memorial in London honoring the outcast dead, transforming a forgotten paupers’ graveyard into a place of remembrance and community.
George
0.4 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Borough Market
0.5 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
Borough Yards
0.5 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.5 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
Mercato Metropolitano
0.5 km
London’s first sustainable community food market, where global street food, craft drinks, and live culture meet in a converted paper factory.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.5 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
The View from The Shard
0.5 km
Experience London’s highest panoramic views from the iconic glass spire of The Shard, with stunning 360-degree vistas and luxury amenities.
The Shard
0.6 km
Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
Southwark Cathedral
0.6 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.6 km
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
Ministry of Sound
0.6 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Ministry of Sound in London, where world-class DJs and vibrant parties come alive in a legendary setting.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Madison
1.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
1.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
14 Hills
1.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.6 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
The Archduke
1.7 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
1.7 km
Stylish 4-star hotel on London’s South Bank with exceptional dining, event spaces, and modern amenities near iconic landmarks.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.7 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.7 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Troia Southbank
1.7 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Wahaca Southbank
1.7 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
OKAN South Bank
1.8 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Strada Southbank
1.8 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Tower of London Shop
1.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
1.3 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.3 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.3 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.
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.
1 Poultry
1.4 km
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Sugar And Style
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The Royal Exchange
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One New Change
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The Giftree London
1.4 km
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Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
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Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
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Custom Gifts By Jupiter
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Browns of London
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old School Yard
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Nine Lives
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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Doggett's Coat and Badge
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The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
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Lyaness
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The Bootlegger
1.3 km
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Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
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Demon, Wise & Partners
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The Understudy
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Bar @ 26 Leake Street
1.6 km
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Black Parrot
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Punch Tavern
1.7 km
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Primo Bar, London
1.7 km
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Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
1.7 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Corsica Studios
1.0 km
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The Steel Yard
1.0 km
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.6 km
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Cirque Du Soul
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We Are Waterloo
1.6 km
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Proud Late
2.0 km
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The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.1 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
2.3 km
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E1
2.3 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Club 701
2.5 km
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Carwash Nightclub
2.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
2.5 km
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.6 km
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Union
2.6 km
Vauxhall's relentless nightclub heartbeat: techno-fueled nights stretching to dawn in multi-zone bliss along the Thames.
Bootylicious London last Saturday of the month
2.6 km
Late-night Vauxhall institution for raw techno, queer-focused party nights and after-hours clubbing on Albert Embankment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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