Three Most Popular Churches in London

London is gifted with many great historic architectures. It is the location of many of the world’s famous churches, chapels and cathedrals, which have been a witness to London’s history for over a hundred of years. Several of the oldest London churches have been destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666. So most of the ones you will see today date from 17th to 18th century, or have been restructured and renovated. Regardless of this, they are equally stunning and grand. Some of most popular churches in London that every tourist should see are the following:

Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Sitting atop the Ludgate Hill is St. Paul’s Cathedral, the seat of the Anglican Bishop of London. It can be easily recognised from the outside because of its splendid dome, which stands out as one of the most distinctive features of London’s skyline. The church was built in 1667 by architect Sir Christopher Wren, and is the only Anglican church to have a dome. It was constructed to replace the old Gothic, medieval cathedral dedicated to St. Paul that burned down during the Great Fire.

Buried beneath the main cathedral floor is the Crypt that house more than 200 tombs of great and notable people such as Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Wren himself. The crypt is one of the must to see things inside St. Paul’s aside from the dome

Another great attraction inside the cathedral is the spectacular interior of the dome. Visitors are allowed to ascend into the interior of the dome which will lead you to the
famous Whispering Gallery. The gallery is an enclosed elliptical area in which even whispers can be heard in other side of the dome. Thus, if you ever come into this place, better be careful of what you will say because the dome’s walls have ears.

Palace of Westminster, St. Margaret’s Church

Westminster Abbey

The famous Westminster Abbey is a must-see religious site in England. This 700-year-old Gothic church can be considered as a living monument to British history, witnessing the coronation of English and British monarchs since 1066 and until today. The church is also a burial place of many great kings, warriors, statesmen, artists and other notable persona such as Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton and Rudyard Kipling.

The Abbey is in itself a tourist attraction, with its great spell-binding structures and stunning chapels that are humbling to see. It is a treasure house of great artworks such as paintings, stained glass, sculptures and more.

Saint Mary le Bow

Saint Mary Le Bow

The historic Baroque church of Saint Mary Le Bow is one of the famous works of 17th century architect Christopher Wren. It is the home of the great bell called Bowbell. The sound of the medieval bell of St. Mary Le Bow is part of the tradition of east Londoners, called the Cockney. By tradition, it is generally accepted that a true Cockney is said to be born within earshot from the Bowbell.