St Patrick
The history of St Patrick's is, shall we say, colourful.
About this building
For more information visit on this building visit www.explorechurches.org/church/st-patrick-soho
The history of St Patrick's is, shall we say, colourful.
For more information visit on this building visit www.explorechurches.org/church/st-patrick-soho
Consecrated in 1686 by Bishop Henry Compton (after whom Old Compton St is named) the original church was designed by William Talman, who worked under Sir Christopher Wren. In December 2016 our redesigned entrance, featuring our name in neon lights, was dedicated by the Bishop of London to ensure the church remains a visible presence in the community it serves.
Built for the London French community in 1953-55 from designs by Professor Hector Corfiato, the circular design of the church repeats the form of two previous buildings on the site, a diorama of the 1790s and a church of the 1860s by LA Boileau. Corfiato's church is important as an advanced design showing the influence of the Liturgical Movement, and as a showcase of Art Sacre, notably the murals in the Lady Chapel by Jean Cocteau.
St George's Bloomsbury, the work of Nicholas Hawksmoor, is one of the finest Baroque churches in London. It has been described as 'one of the capital's most wonderful buildings'.