Beneath the bustling streets of Covent Garden lies a hidden gem Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Its unassuming exterior belies a rich history and stunning interior.
Corpus Christi wasn’t built overnight. The Duke of Bedford leased the land. He insisted the church cost at least £6000. The final cost was £8000. The foundation stone was laid in 1873. The building was completed in 1874. Cardinal Henry Manning opened it. He dedicated it to Corpus Christi. This was an act of reparation. It was to atone for past indignities to the Blessed Sacrament. The church wasn’t consecrated until 1956. This was only after the debt was paid.
This beautiful church has a fascinating history. It’s linked to famous figures. Graham Greene’s novel The End of the Affair features the church. Dominic Bruce married there in 1938. Fr Francis Stanfield an early parish priest wrote two famous hymns. Sweet Sacrament Divine and O Sacred Heart are still sung today. The church boasts stunning stained glass. Some windows may be by Clayton and Bell. Others are possibly by Mayer. The Lady Chapel is modelled after the Holy House in Loreto. It contains a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham. It was blessed in 2015. A recent restoration costing £1.5 million revealed the original brickwork. New Stations of the Cross were added. The church is now a Diocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s a place of pilgrimage. Pilgrims can obtain a Plenary Indulgence.
Corpus Christi is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith. It’s a place of worship and community. It’s a place where history and faith intertwine. It’s a haven of peace in the heart of bustling London. Come step inside and experience its unique beauty for yourself.