St James

St James church, built by Sir Christopher Wren, was consecrated in 1684, towards the end of the most turbulent century in England's religious history. Today, in 21st century London, this light and beautiful church stands as an oasis of calm amid the hectic activity of Piccadilly Circus. Our lively, diverse Sunday congregation commits to being inclusive and adventurous, sensitive to the poetry and politics of the gospel; finding creative ways to proclaim the gospel afresh in each generation.

About this building

For more information visit on this building visit www.explorechurches.org/church/st-james-piccadilly

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Stained glass
  • Monuments
  • Interior features
  • Atmosphere / quiet space
  • Churchyard
  • Wildlife
  • Social heritage
  • Links to national heritage
  • Famous people or stories

Other nearby buildings

The Chapel Royal

Built largely between 1531 and 1536 by Henry VIII, much of the original red brick building erected by Henry VIII still survives today, including the Chapel Royal, the gatehouse, some turrets and two surviving Tudor rooms in the State apartments.

Wikimedia Commons

Bavarian Chapel, London

Warwick Street Church is a Catholic church in London, which was once used as a chapel by the Bavarian Legation. It is officially known as "Church of our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Gregory" and was known in London as the "Bavarian Chapel" until the beginning of the First World War. It is a rectangular hall with a flat, boxed, white/blue ceiling and a brick facade built around 1790 with a central gable in the style of classicism. On the north wall of the nave is a bronze plaque with the Bavarian royal coat of arms, reminiscent of the Apostolic Vicars of the District of London, who served there under Bavarian protection before a regular Catholic hierarchy could be restored in England from 1850.

AnthonyR2010/Flickr

Guards Chapel

The only remaining military chapel in London, The Guards Chapel was rebuilt in a beautifully spare style following almost total destruction by a flying bomb in 1944.