St Paul’s Church Covent Garden — Attraction in London

A quiet space in which to enjoy a break. Don't take a whole bench to yourself,.share it with others. Some history... The Artists' Church, also known as St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden, is a historic church located in the Covent Garden area of London.

History: St. Paul's Church was designed by architect Inigo Jones and consecrated in 1633. It is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in London.

Connection to the Arts: St. Paul's Church is sometimes referred to as the "Artists' Church" due to its historical association with the arts. It has a long history of supporting the arts and is known for hosting various artistic events, including concerts and exhibitions.

Piazza: The church is situated in Covent Garden Piazza, a popular area known for its street performances, shops, and restaurants. It has been a focal point of cultural and artistic life in London for centuries.

Restoration: Over the years, the church has undergone several restorations to preserve its historic charm and architectural significance.

Current Use: St. Paul's Church is still an active place of worship, but it also hosts a variety of cultural events and performances, making it a vibrant part of London's artistic community.

Theatre Connections: The church has close ties to the nearby Royal Opera House and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. It has served as a place of worship for many actors, artists, and performers over the years.

Notable Burials: The churchyard contains the graves of several notable individuals, including the painter J.M.W. Turner and the actor Charles Macklin.

Overall, St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in London with strong ties to the arts and a rich history that...

Was in Covent garden and popped into St Pauls church with my wife to light a candle for my wifes mother and father who have passed away. To be met by a really unpleasant individual stating that its not tourist day, but prayer day - I explained my wife is attending to say a prayer. We entered and lit a candle my wife saying a prayer, we they walked out of the church after no more than 10 minutes reading the plaques to actors etc as we walked out - when exiting the same arrogant vile individual said I told you its not tourist day and then had the Gaul to ask for a donation - i told him I only make donations on tourist day - what a nasty individual who was representing the church was - no wonder the church is in serious demise and decline with these type of unwelcoming obnoxious individuals representing them. What a really unpleasant guy he was. If you are thinking of popping in don't bother. Of all the churches we have visit across the world this is the most unwelcoming we have ever experienced. One day no one will bother visiting these type of stuffy pretentious types of church - and maybe then this individual will...

[Don't get confused with St. Paul’s Cathedral, it is the church near Covent Gaerden]

In 1630, the Earl of Bedford was given permission to demolish buildings on an area of land he owned north of the Strand for redevelopment. The result was the Covent Garden Piazza – the first formal square in London.

The church of St. Paul’s was one of the first buildings to be constructed as part of the development of the Covent Garden Piazza. The main entrance to the church is on Bedford Street, where the brick façade of the church can be seen between two pillars with ornate railings on either side, and a gate between the pillars:

the churchyard has a wide path leading up to the entrance of the church, with seating along both sides of the path. To either side of the path are gardens and grassed spaces.

The church is known affectionately as The Actors’ church with its long association with the theatre community dating back to 1663 when the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane opened, the first of many theatres in London’s West...