Let’s dive into the magnificent world of London’s cathedrals! Grab a cup of tea, and let’s take a virtual tour through some of the most awe-inspiring structures in the city.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Crown Jewel
We’ve got to start with the big one – St. Paul’s Cathedral. This iconic landmark has been dominating London’s skyline for over 300 years. But did you know it’s actually the fifth cathedral to stand on this site? The first one was built way back in 604 AD!
The current St. Paul’s, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of London in 1666. It’s a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, and its massive dome is second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Here’s a fun fact: during World War II, St. Paul’s became a symbol of British resilience. Despite the Blitz, it survived largely intact, standing tall amidst the smoke and rubble. Winston Churchill was so adamant about protecting it that he ordered firefighters to prioritize saving St. Paul’s over other buildings.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss the Whispering Gallery. It’s 259 steps up, but totally worth it. Whisper against the wall, and someone on the opposite side can hear you clearly – it’s like magic! For the brave (and fit), climb all 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for breathtaking views of London.
Visiting info: It’s open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission isn’t cheap at about £18 for adults, but hey, maintaining a 300-year-old cathedral isn’t exactly pocket change. Pro tip: book online for a small discount.
Westminster Abbey: Where Royalty Meets Eternity
Note: Technically, it is not a ‘cathedral,’ but it is functionally.
Next up, we’ve got Westminster Abbey. This place is basically a who’s who of British history. It’s been the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. Talk about exclusive real estate!
The Abbey we see today was mostly built in the 13th century under Henry III, who was apparently a bit of an architecture buff. But its history goes back even further, to a small Benedictine monastery founded in 960 AD.
One of my favorite bits of Westminster Abbey trivia is about the Coronation Chair. It’s been used in every coronation since 1308. Imagine sitting on a chair that’s seen over 700 years of royal bottoms!
The Abbey isn’t just for royals, though. It’s also home to Poets’ Corner, where you’ll find memorials to literary giants like Shakespeare, Austen, and Dickens. It’s like a roll call of English literature’s greatest hits.
Visiting info: The Abbey is open to visitors most days, but check the website as it closes for special services. Tickets are around £25 for adults, but again, book online for a discount. And if you’re into music, try to catch an Evensong service – the choir is world-class and it’s free!
Southwark Cathedral: The Hidden Gem
Now, let’s hop across the river to Southwark Cathedral. It might not be as famous as its northern neighbors, but it’s got charm in spades. This is London’s oldest Gothic church, with roots stretching back to AD 606.
Southwark has always been a bit of a rebel. In Shakespeare’s time, this area was outside the City of London’s jurisdiction, making it a haven for theaters, bear-baiting pits, and other “unsavory” entertainments. The cathedral has seen it all!
Speaking of Shakespeare, he was a regular here. There’s a memorial to him in the cathedral, depicting him reclining with a quill. They say he based the character of Old Hamlet on John Gower, whose tomb you can still see in the church.
Visiting info: Southwark Cathedral is open daily, and the best part? It’s free to enter! They do appreciate donations, though. If you’re a literature buff, combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Globe Theatre for a full Shakespeare experience.
Westminster Cathedral: The New Kid on the Block
Don’t confuse this with Westminster Abbey! Westminster Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. It’s relatively new, consecrated in 1910, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a stunner.
The cathedral’s Byzantine style stands out in a city full of Gothic and Baroque architecture. It’s got one of the highest viewpoints in London that’s open to the public. The tower offers fantastic views, and there’s an elevator, so your legs get a break after all those St. Paul’s steps!
Inside, the cathedral is a work in progress. The interior was left largely undecorated when it opened, with the idea that each generation would add its own touch. Over a century later, there’s still plenty of bare brick, giving it a unique, unfinished charm.
Visiting info: The cathedral is open daily and free to enter. The tower viewpoint costs a few pounds, but it’s worth it for the views. Masses are held throughout the day, so be respectful if you’re visiting during a service.
St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark: The Phoenix
St. George’s is the Catholic cathedral for the Archdiocese of Southwark. The original cathedral, built in 1848, was almost completely destroyed during the Blitz. But like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes and was rebuilt in 1958.
What’s cool about St. George’s is its mix of old and new. The rebuilt cathedral incorporates elements salvaged from the bomb damage, including some beautiful stained glass windows. It’s a powerful reminder of London’s resilience.
The cathedral has a strong musical tradition, with a renowned boys’ choir. If you’re lucky, you might catch them rehearsing during your visit.
Visiting info: St. George’s is open daily and free to enter. It’s a bit off the typical tourist trail, so you might have the place almost to yourself – perfect for some quiet contemplation.
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom (Hagia Sophia)
For something a bit different, check out London’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral. It’s housed in a former Anglican church built in 1877 and converted to Orthodox use in 1882.
Step inside, and you might think you’ve been transported to Athens or Istanbul. The interior is decorated with stunning icons and frescoes in the Byzantine style. It’s a little slice of Eastern Christianity right in the heart of West London.
Visiting info: The cathedral is open daily, but as it’s an active place of worship, be mindful of service times. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue
Okay, I know this isn’t technically a cathedral, but I thought it was worth including for some religious diversity. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood is one of the oldest and largest liberal Jewish congregations in the UK.
The current building, opened in 1925, is a beautiful example of Byzantine-revival architecture. It survived the Blitz with only minor damage and has been a center of progressive Judaism in London ever since.
Visiting info: Unlike the Christian cathedrals, the synagogue isn’t generally open for casual visits due to security concerns. However, they do offer guided tours by appointment, which can be a fascinating insight into Jewish life and worship.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of London’s major cathedrals (and one synagogue). Each of these buildings tells a part of London’s story, from ancient foundations to wartime resilience to modern multiculturalism.
When you visit these places, take a moment to look beyond the tourist attractions. These aren’t just old buildings or photo opportunities – they’re living, breathing communities. They’ve been places of worship, celebration, mourning, and community gathering for hundreds of years.
Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something awe-inspiring about standing in a space where countless generations have stood before you. It’s a connection to history that you can feel in your bones.
A few final tips for your cathedral-hopping adventures:
- Many of these places offer guided tours. They’re usually worth the extra few pounds – the guides often have fascinating stories that you won’t find in the guidebooks.
- Be respectful. Remember, these are active places of worship, not just tourist sites.
- Check the websites before you visit. Service times, opening hours, and admission fees can change, especially around religious holidays.
- Don’t try to cram too many into one day. Cathedral fatigue is real! Take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and maybe stop for a pint in a historic pub between visits.
- Look up! The ceilings, vaults, and domes of these cathedrals often hide some of their most impressive features.
Happy exploring! London’s cathedrals are like a time machine, a history book, and an art gallery all rolled into one. Each visit peels back another layer of the city’s rich and complex story. Enjoy your journey through London’s sacred spaces!
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.
This was a very enjoyable read, but I’m afraid the section on the Liberal Jewish Synagogue contains some errors.
The current building, the congregation’s third, is embedded in an apartment building called Blazer Court and dates only to the early 1990s. It replaced a neo-Classical 1925 structure that was badly damaged during an air raid in 1940. The only element of the old building that is retained in the new one is the entrance portico. To read the full story, go to https://www.ljs.org/the-ljs.html; to see a photo of the 1925 building after the raid, go to https://layersoflondon.humap.site/map/records/liberal-jewish-synagogue-sustains-bomb-damage.
To be honest, I’ve never been there, but photos I’ve seen of the new building’s interior make it look rather bland. Two London synagogues of both historical and architectural significance are the Bevis Marks Synagogue (off of Duke Street, EC3A) and the West London Synagogue (Seymour Place, W1H).
Unfortunately, well-founded security concerns mean that anyone visiting any Jewish site, for any reason, should be prepared to have their bags searched, and very possibly to have to pass through a metal detector and/or be patted down.