St Mary-le-Strand
Strand, London WC2

This lively Baroque church, dating from 1714 - 17, was the first public building by James Gibbs, strongly influenced by Sir Christopher Wren, who went on to create St Martin's-in-the-Fields, now overlooking Trafalgar Square. 

Details of the exterior of St Mary-le-Strand were inspired by the Baroque churches of Rome where Gibbs studied.  The tower is multi-layered like a wedding cake and topped by a cupola and lantern, whilst the interior has high windows and rich detailing and was solidly built to keep out the noise from the street.

Today the ship-like church is on a traffic island in the middle of one of London's busiest streets, and is the official church of the Women's Royal Naval Service.                        

Admission free

Opening Times

Open: Mon-Fri 10:30-15:30; Sun 10:00-13:00  Sunday service; 11:00