“Bombed in the Blitz” is not just a phrase. It’s a chapter in the vibrant story of St Anne’s Church. This church stands in the heart of Soho. It has witnessed centuries of change. It has seen war and peace. It has echoed with music and prayer.
St Anne’s Church was first consecrated in 1686. Bishop Henry Compton officiated. He is the namesake of Old Compton Street. The original design came from William Talman. He worked under the famous Sir Christopher Wren.
Imagine a large church. Its layout was similar to St Martin in the Fields. Galleries lined three sides above the nave. The main entrance was on Shaftesbury Avenue through a visible archway. St Anne’s quickly gained fame. It was known for its high musical standards. Dr William Croft served as the director of music. In 1708, he wrote the tune “St Anne”. You might know it as the hymn “O God Our Help in Ages Past”.
Now look at the tower. It is unusual because it’s not the original. The first tower became unsafe. It was replaced in 1803. This new tower still stands. The clock is still wound by hand. The tower and the historic Allen Room are the only parts of the old church that survived the Blitz in 1940.
After the war, the site remained a bomb site and a car park for years. But local community members fought for its rebirth. In 1991, the present building was created. Funds came from selling part of the site. This allowed for social housing and commercial properties to be built. The funds also supported the Community Hall and the Chapel.
Even without a building, the church community remained strong. Dorothy L. Sayers was a Churchwarden during this time. Her ashes are buried at the base of the tower. She was a key figure in the St Anne’s Society. This society created strong literary associations.
St Anne’s has always been socially inclusive. It has engaged with its diverse community. Ken Leech, a member of the clergy, founded Centrepoint. This charity supports young homeless people. It started right here.
Three members of the church vestry established the first Parish School in 1699. Soho Parish School still flourishes today. It receives strong support from St Anne’s clergy.
The Churchyard, now St Anne’s Gardens, was leased to the City Council in 1894. It had been closed to burials forty years earlier. One sexton illegally dumped bodies. He sold their coffins for firewood. London churchyards were full. It’s estimated that 60,000 bodies remain buried here. That explains why the ground is so high above the Wardour Street entrance.
In December 2016, the church’s redesigned entrance was dedicated. The Bishop of London officiated. Neon lights now display the church’s name. This ensures St Anne’s remains a visible presence in the community.
So, as you stand here, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. Remember the music, the community, and the resilience of St Anne’s Church. It is a place of prayer, peace, and community. All are welcome here regardless of colour, gender, age, sexuality, or ability.