A stunning church designed by Sir Christopher Wren, situated in Piccadilly.
This is a very pretty little Wren church, consecrated on 13 July 1684 by Henry Compton, the Bishop of London, and many a great historical figure has passed through its doors. Samuel Clarke was rector from 1709 to 1729 and William Blake (one of the leading intellectual figures of 18th century Britain) was baptised at the church in 1757. Leopold Stokowski was choirmaster from 1902 until 1905, when he left for a similar position in New York.
The church was severely damaged in 1940 during the Second World War, and its graveyard was recently converted into a garden of remembrance.
The perfect time to visit the church is for their lunchtime recitals held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 13:00. Concerts are regularly held at the church and it has played host to some household names - REM and Laura Marling to name just two. Services are held daily, and there is a handicraft market in the front of the church which visitors can browse at their convenience.
Saint James's Church
197 Picadilly, London W1J 9LL