When we started visiting Church of England sites around London, we expected quiet beauty and lots of stained glass. What we didn’t expect? Scandal, innovation, and secret tunnels. These 7 facts about London’s Church of England will have you seeing its ancient churches and grand cathedrals in a whole new light.
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1. The Church Was Created for a Royal Divorce
Henry VIII famously broke from the Catholic Church to divorce Catherine of Aragon. This act sparked the English Reformation, establishing the Church of England—and eventually shaping every Anglican church across London.
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2. Westminster Abbey Isn’t a Cathedral
Though it’s one of the most famous religious buildings in London, Westminster Abbey is technically a “Royal Peculiar”—meaning it reports directly to the monarch, not a bishop. That makes it outside the standard Church of England hierarchy.
3. Many Churches Hide in Plain Sight
Central London is full of small, historic parish churches tucked between office buildings and shops. St. Mary-le-Bow, St. Bride’s, and St. Dunstan-in-the-West are stunning and often overlooked.
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4. Some Were Rebuilt by Christopher Wren
After the Great Fire of London in 1666, famed architect Sir Christopher Wren redesigned more than 50 churches, including the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral. His Baroque flair reshaped the city’s skyline. To step inside his masterpiece, you can reserve a St. Paul’s Cathedral admission ticket and explore the dome and whispering gallery at your own pace.
5. There Are Underground Crypts You Can Visit
Several London churches have crypts open to the public, like the one beneath St. Martin-in-the-Fields. It’s now a café and event space—talk about blending sacred and social.
6. The Church Hosts Modern Art and Events
Many Church of England buildings now double as cultural hubs. You’ll find art exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and even yoga classes in spaces like Southwark Cathedral and St. James’s Piccadilly.
7. Church Bells Still Ring Daily
The traditional bell-ringing (called change ringing) is alive and well in London. Many city churches keep the tradition going—and some even offer lessons if you want to try it yourself.
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See London’s Church of England with Fresh Eyes
It’s easy to walk by these churches and only admire the architecture, but London’s Church of England holds centuries of wild history, royal influence, and modern reinvention. Next time you pass one, consider stepping inside—you never know what secret it might be keeping.
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