DK Travel : London : Architecture

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Southwark Cathedral

This priory church was elevated to a cathedral in 1905. It has many connections with the area’s Elizabethan theatres, and with Shakespeare, who is commemorated in a memorial and a stained-glass window. US college founder John Harvard, who was baptised here, is remembered in The Harvard Chapel.
St Bartholemew-the-Great

A survivor of the Great Fire, this is London’s only Norman Church apart from St John’s chapel in the Tower of London. It was founded in 1123 by a courtier of Henry I, and its solid pillars and Norman choir have remained unaltered. The 14th-century Lady Chapel, restored by Sir Aston Webb in 1890, once housed a printing press where Benjamin Franklin worked.
St Bartholomew-the-Great

London’s oldest church, St Bartholomew, was built in the 12th century. Several Norman architectural details may be seen.
St Bride’s

There has been a church on this site since Roman times. Sir Christopher Wren’s fine church has a wonderful tiered spire that was copied for a wedding cake by a Fleet Street baker, Mr Rich, starting a trend. This is traditionally the journalists’ church and memorial services are held here.
St James’s Palace

Although not open to the public, St James’s has a key role in royal London. Its classic Tudor style sets it in the reign of Henry VIII, although it served only briefly as a royal residence. Prince Charles has offices here.
St Katherine Cree

One of eight churches to survive the Great Fire, it dates from about 1630. Purcell and Handel both played on its organ.
St Lawrence Jewry

Beautiful stained glass windows of historic figures are the highlight here.
St Magnus the Martyr

Designed by Wren in the 1670s, the church retains his elegant pulpit. Lunchtime recitals are held on Tuesdays throughout the year.
St Martin-in-the-Fields

Known for its royal connections, St Martin’s is the only church to have a royal box. There has been a church on the site since the 13th century, but the handsome present building was designed by James Gibbs in 1726. Coffee shop in the crypt.
St Mary-le-Bow

Located in Cheapside, St Mary-le-Bow was rebuilt by Wren following its destruction in the Great Fire of London in 1666.