Image credit: Robert Lamb / Geograph Britain and Ireland / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 · 2016-03-20 ↗
Christ Church Spitalfields
Spitalfields / Shoreditch · Spitalfields / Shoreditch · Second-audit addition
Story
Christ Church Spitalfields is one of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s most imposing buildings and presides over the western end of Fournier Street. Built between 1714 and 1729 as part of the Fifty New Churches programme, its vast portico, tower and spire formed a monumental statement of the Church of England in an area with strong dissenting and migrant communities. Its scale provides a perfect counterpoint to the Huguenot houses of Fournier Street: within a few metres, a monumental established church confronts a domestic fabric created by migrant merchants and craftspeople, revealing the social and religious diversity of 18th-century Spitalfields.
What to look for
Look for the monumental portico, staged tower and spire soaring above the neighbourhood, and contrast it with the scale of the adjacent houses on Fournier Street.
Secret detail
The construction of this church was part of a government programme to build new Anglican churches in expanding London, reasserting the established church's presence in rapidly growing and religiously diverse areas.
Where exactly
In front of the church, on Commercial Street, at the end of Fournier Street.
Orientation
Look towards the church's west front. The interior is accessible only if open and without disturbing worship or events.
Why it matters
This church stands as an architectural statement by the Church of England and a key landmark that organises and gives meaning to the urban fabric of Spitalfields, especially in contrast to the surrounding Huguenot dwellings.
Access & opening
Live verification required before production routing.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Needs production accessibility check.