PIN St Anne`s Church

Historical Soho

All that remains of this place of worship in decadent Soho is the frontage which you will realise when you try to get in. Although it still remains a thoroughly modern church community; open for everyone, morning prayer is offered at 8.30 am most weeks ( Tuesday to Friday) . The former churchyard – now a garden has been revitalised through the efforts of the Architecture Ensemble and is a popular place to stop and contemplate away from the bustle of Soho. At the rear of the ‘building’ there is a modern chapel-cum-community centre and – if visitors look carefully – a secret garden open to the public

History

It’s an old Church of the Church of England variety which was consecrated by Bishop Henry Compton and created from part of the parish of St Martin in theFields. The construction began in 1677 (possibly a Wren design) , and in 1699 a tuition-free parish school was founded. In 1704 it started to admit girls . It was badly damaged in the Blitz – hence only the tower and the façade remain. A post war campaign by Sir John Betjeman helped save what remains from demolition. The rest is history.

TripTide Thoughts:

We just love these old churchs , there are stories of old London at every turn.

How to get there

By bus : Dean Street Chinatown (Stop W) routes 14,19,38

By London underground : Located near the station “Leicester Square” which is deserved by the Northern line and Piccadilly line

Owner

William Souef

I am a passionate Frenchman who loves London with its history, culture and diversity. I am living in Wandsworth during a six month internship during which I am enjoying London life to the full....