Our History
In 1631, Inigo Jones was commissioned by the 14th Earl of Bedford to design a square, surrounded by mansions, a church and four streets. Work on the church began in 1631, and was completed in 1633, as a cost of £4,000. The church was consecrated in 1638, and dedicated to St Paul.
People often ask why the great east door onto the piazza doesn’t open. Inigo Jones’ original intention was that this should be the main entrance with the Altar at the West End of the church. However, this went against Christian tradition where the Altar is normally placed at the east end. At the last moment therefore, the Altar was placed at the East end and Portico door is in fact a fake!
The Painter JMW Turner and WS Gilbert (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame), and Thomas Arne (the composer of Rule Brittania) are amongst the many famous people baptised at St Paul’s.
Among those buried at St Paul’s are Samuel Butler and the woodcarver Ginling Gibbons as was the first victim of the Great Plague of London - Margaret Ponteous on 12th April 1665.
Burials ceased in the 1850’s, when all burials in central London churches were closed by Act of Parliament. At that point, the headstones were removed, and the gardens laid out as you see them today.
In 1788, Thomas Hardwisk began a major restoration but in 1795 there was a terrible fire which destroyed much of the original structure. The Paris records were saved as was the pulpit, the work of Grinling Gibbons or one of his pupils and the church was restored largely to Jones’ original design. Further changes were undertaken by Butterfield in 1872.
Upcoming Events
St. Anne Comes Home
London can be lonely. But on the steps of St. Anne's Church two people strike up an unlikely friendship. James has spent years running away from his problems, while Bridget is trapped by hers.
Platform - TstarNay
PLATFORM is Iris Theatre’s new initiative to champion breakout artists taking the next steps in their professional life. This event series will see the company host monthly showcase nights that will run throughout 2021, spotlighting performers from a variety of disciplines. The first two PLATFORM events will take place in March and April 2021.
Platform - Dylan Wynford
PLATFORM is Iris Theatre’s new initiative to champion breakout artists taking the next steps in their professional life. This event series will see the company host monthly showcase nights that will run throughout 2021, spotlighting performers from a variety of disciplines. The first two PLATFORM events will take place in March and April 2021.
Mediæval Bæbes: 25th Anniversary Concert
Iris Theatre is delighted to host the Ivor Novello award-winning Mediæval Bæbes, for a remarkable set of socially distanced performances at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden.