Christ Church Spitalfields, London

Christ Church in Spitalfields, London, is a 1729 masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren's associate, Nicholas Hawksmoor.

Hawksmoor built only six London churches; this one was commissioned as part of Parliament's 1711 "Fifty New Churches Act." The purpose of the act was to score points for the Church of England against such nonconformists as the Huguenots (French Calvinists).

The area in which Christ Church was built was fast becoming a Huguenot stronghold, as many had fled persecution in France and came to Spitalfields to work in the silkweaving industry. In the churchyard, you can still see some of their gravestones, with epitaphs in French.

As the local silk industry declined, Christ Church fell into disrepair. By 1958 the structure was crumbling and had to be closed; the church reopened in 1987 after complete restoration.

The church's impression of size and strength is reinforced inside by the high ceiling, the sturdy wooden canopy over the west door and the gallery. There's always a fine view of Christ Church's colonnaded portico and tall spire from Brushfield Street to the west.

Location Map

Location map and satellite view of Christ Church Spitalfields. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. or a larger view, see our London Map or Google Earth download.

Quick Facts on Christ Church Spitalfields

Site Information
Names:	Christ Church Spitalfields
Categories:	England's Thousand Best Churches: Four Stars
Dates:	1729
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	51.519119° N, 0.073722° W
Address:	London, England
Lodging:	View hotels near Christ Church Spitalfields

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

More Information

Christ Church Spitalfields - official website
Friends of Christ Church Spitalfields - charity for restoration
Christ Church Spitalfields Venue - book the church for events
Diocese of London
Photos of Christ Church Spitalfields - here on Sacred Destinations

Map of Christ Church Spitalfields, London

Below is a location map and aerial view of Christ Church Spitalfields. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.