PIN Fitzrovia Chapel

An Oasis Of Calm In A Busy Metropolis

The Fitzrovia Chapel is a small but extraordinary Grade II listed building that once provided a space for prayer and quiet contemplation for staff and patients at the old Middlesex Hospital. The hospital site is now a residential development but the chapel is looking resplendent after a major refurbishment. it opens to the general public every Wednesday from 11.00 until 16.00 until 2017.

The chapel, its interior glowing with marble and mosaics, really is the jewel in Fitzrovia’s crown. It was built in 1903 and has a compelling historical past. It was where Rudyard Kipling lay in state before his funeral in Westminster Abbey and many heroic stories lie behind the wall plaques commemorating individual nurses and other medical staff.

The chapel is now a venue for cultural events including civil and secular weddings and vow renewals. Private tours can be arranged and the chapel is becoming the go-to intimate venue for cultural events, having recently hosted Katie Melua’s album launch and a Poetry Society Review.

History

Architect John Loughborough Pearson, a noted Gothic revivalist architect, designed the chapel in 1891. Building was started in 1903 and was completed in 1929 by his son Frank, who was largely responsible for the Italian gothic and romanesque styles of the sumptuous interior. Is was a place for peaceful contemplation for the patients, staff and visitors to Middlesex Hospital but was closed in 2005 when the hospital site was vacated. The refurbished chapel has retained the memorial plaques and origins of the hospitals chapel which serves as a poignant reminder of its former purpose

Where is it

The Fitzrovia Chapel is situated in Pearson Square, in the centre of the Fitzroy Place development bordered by Mortimer Street, Cleveland Street, Nassau Street and Riding House Street in London

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...