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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.

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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
  • Environment icon 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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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.

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