Perhaps you’ve noticed the serene yet striking architecture. This is the Dutch Church, Austin Friars. It stands as a testament to centuries of Dutch presence and faith in London.
The Dutch Church has a rich history dating back to 1550. It is the oldest Dutch-language Protestant church in the world. In the Netherlands, it is known as the mother church of all Dutch reformed churches. Originally, the site housed a 13th-century Augustinian friary. Humphrey de Bohun, the 2nd Earl of Hereford, founded it around 1253.
King Edward VI granted the friary church’s nave to Protestant refugees in 1550. These refugees, mainly from the Low Countries, sought religious freedom. The church became the first official nonconformist chapel in England. It was led by John a Lasco, a Polish-born superintendent. The royal charter of 24 July 1550 established a Stranger Church. It was named the Temple of the Lord Jesus. Initially, the church had four pastors. Two served the Dutch community and two served the French-Walloon community.
By 1570, the Dutch community was the largest expatriate group in London. It numbered 5,000 out of a total population of 100,000. Many fled the Flemish Low Countries due to religious persecution. Skilled craftsmen also came to England for economic opportunities. These included brewers, tile makers, weavers, artists, printers and engravers.
A century later, William of Orange’s arrival brought another wave of Dutch immigrants. This group included noblemen, bankers, courtiers, merchants, architects and artists.
Tragedy struck the Dutch Church on the night of 15–16 October 1940. German bombs completely destroyed the medieval building. This was just a decade before its 400th anniversary. Fortunately, the church’s collection of rare books had been moved. Dutch Bibles, atlases, and encyclopedias were kept safe outside London. The church’s manuscript collection and original charter are in the London Metropolitan Archives.
Princess Irene of the Netherlands laid the foundation stone for the new church on 23 July 1950. Arthur Bailey designed the new church. It was completed in 1954. The building features a concrete box frame clad in Portland stone. Stained glass from the 1950s adorns the church. Max Nauta, Hugh Ray Easton and William Wilson created it.
The Dutch Church was designated a Grade-II listed building on 25 September 1998. In 2000, the church celebrated its 450th anniversary.
Today, the Dutch Church remains active. Weekly Dutch-language services are held here. It also hosts confirmation classes and meetings for various groups. The church reaches out to London’s Dutch community. It ministers to the elderly. The Dutch Centre is located here. It promotes Dutch arts and culture in London.
In April 2014, the church began performing weddings for same-sex couples. The Dutch Church stands as a symbol of faith. It also represents community and enduring Dutch presence in London.