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London represents everything that is great about British culture. Stunning gardens, palaces, museums, and forts abound in this famous metropolis. Tourists are drawn to the bustling river Thames just as much as the famous restaurants and retail districts. Stunning cathedrals dot the cityscape of London, and they are hard to overlook in this setting. Every tourist is left in amazement by its magnificent architecture and creative embellishments. If stunning and iconic architecture, a rich tapestry of English culture, and a visual history of royal England sounds like your vibe, then check out this list of all the famous churches in London!
St Bartholomew Church
The sight of London's oldest parish church, St. Bartholomew the Great, never fails to astound you. Its Norman Romanesque architecture dates back to its foundation in 1123. Its many cinematic appearances, like Shakespeare in Love and Four Weddings and a Funeral, come as no surprise. Rahere, the founder and a courtier of Henry I, has his grave at the altar. Also, you won't want to miss Damien Hirst's work Exquisite Pain, which shows the crucifixion of Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles. It is one of the most important historic churches in London.
Cathedral of Southwark
Located on the southern bank of the River Thames, Southwark Cathedral—also known as The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie—is one of the famous churches in London. This cathedral has been serving the community for over a thousand years, having been founded in 1897. It is the seat of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark. Southwark Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture, overlooks the London Bridge. In 1912, a monument was erected in the south aisle to honour William Shakespeare. Among London's most illustrious houses of worship, this one has a choir that performs monthly on the fourth Sunday.
St Paul's Cathedral
One of the most famous and well-known buildings in London, England, St. Paul's Cathedral, stands majestically on Ludgate Hill, the city's highest point. Truly one of the most beautiful churches in London, it is the mother church of the Diocese of London and the seat of the Bishop of London, having been founded in AD 604. The majestic dome, intricately carved walls, exquisite frescoes, wooden fittings, and nave of this 111-meter-tall white marble structure captivate anyone who lays eyes upon it. At the very top, in the Golden Gallery, you can take in breathtaking views of London. Live music and holiday festivities are commonplace in London's St. Paul's Cathedral.
Temple Church
Temple Church, one of the most historic churches in London, was consecrated in 1185. The English headquarters of the crusading order of military monks known as the Knights Templar were located there. The organisation was founded in 1118 to safeguard pilgrims en route to the Holy Land. There are only four other round churches in the nation, and Temple Church is one of them. Its circular nave took design cues from Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre. By 1240, the chancel had been erected. The cathedral has nine sculptures of mediaeval knights, one of which is William Marshal (1146-1219), who was hailed as the 'best knight that ever lived' upon his death after serving five distinct kings. Its inclusion in the Da Vinci Code has also contributed to its current fame.
All Hallows by the Tower
The sixth-century bishop of London, Erkenwald, founded All Hallows near the Tower, one of the most famous churches in London. An arch, partially constructed of repurposed Roman tiles and believed to have Anglo-Saxon origins, was uncovered during the Blitz. Most of the church's current architecture dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, or from after WWII. Saxon masonry, mediaeval antiques, a model of Roman London, an exposed portion of Roman pavement, and many more historical treasures await you in the crypt.
Abbot of St. Mary's
St. Mary Abbots Church is one of London's wonders; it hosts daily morning, evening, and night prayers in addition to Holy Eucharist festivities. One of the most historic churches in London, St. Mary Abbots Church was built in 1872 by the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Its construction is an exquisite example of the neo-Gothic and early-English style motifs beautifully combined. Anyone interested in seeing high-quality architectural and sculptural work should make the effort to come.
Westminster Abbey
Saving best for the last, Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous landmarks in London. Officially called the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, it is an Anglican church that is historically been one of the, if not the most important in the city. Westminster Abbey, since 1066, starting with William The Conqueror, has seen close to 40 coronations, has been the venue for majority of the British Royal weddings, and also a burial site for 18 English, Scottish, and British monarchs, making it one of the most important historical churches in London. Mostly built in Gothic style of architecture, this is a must visit when exploring famous churches in London.