Have you ever noticed how Saint Mary le Strand seems to stand alone, almost like it’s on an island? Well, there’s a reason for that. Before the Strand was widened in the 19th century, a narrower street called Holywell Street ran to the north. This change left Saint Mary le Strand in its rather unique position. The church we see today, completed in 1724, is actually the second church to bear the name. The original St Mary le Strand was demolished in 1549 by the Duke of Somerset to make way for Somerset House. Imagine the outcry from the parishioners who were promised a new church… but it was never built! They were forced to find other places of worship.
Fast forward a century and a half. London was growing, and the lack of churches was a real concern. Parliament established the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches to address the spiritual needs of the rapidly expanding population. These “Queen Anne Churches,” as they were called, aimed to reinforce the Anglican faith. Saint Mary le Strand was one of these churches, designed by a Scottish architect named James Gibbs. Gibbs had trained in Rome and was deeply influenced by Italian architecture. His vision for Saint Mary le Strand was ambitious. He originally imagined a grand column topped by a statue of Queen Anne in place of the spire. However, fate intervened.
Queen Anne died in 1714, and the design was modified. Perhaps the grand column was deemed a little too reminiscent of Roman Catholic aesthetics anyway. Despite the change, the church that rose on the Strand was a masterpiece. Look around you – the ornate ceiling, the harmonious proportions. This is Gibbs showcasing his talent to the world. Even today, it’s considered one of the finest examples of 18th-century church architecture in London.