Hidden in plain sight, the Parish Church of St. Leonard stands as a testament to Shoreditch’s vibrant past. This church, often called simply Shoreditch Church, has witnessed centuries of London’s history unfold. The Parish Church of St. Leonard isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a time capsule, holding within its walls echoes of actors, playwrights, and even royalty.
The current Parish Church of St. Leonard, built in the Palladian style around 1740 by George Dance the Elder, replaced a medieval predecessor. Its steeple, reaching a height of 192 feet, was inspired by St. Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside. This striking feature has made the Parish Church of St. Leonard a recognizable landmark in London’s East End for centuries.
The original church held a special place in the heart of London’s theatrical community. Located near The Theatre and the Curtain Theatre, two of England’s earliest purpose-built playhouses, it became known as the “Actors’ Church.” Notable figures like James Burbage, the founder of The Theatre, and his son, Richard Burbage, a leading man in many of Shakespeare’s plays, are buried within the church’s crypt. The comedian Richard Tarlton and the actor Gabriel Spenser, who was killed by Ben Jonson in a duel, also rest here. A memorial inside the Parish Church of St. Leonard commemorates these theatrical luminaries, reminding visitors of Shoreditch’s rich Shakespearean heritage.
Even the church bells have a claim to fame. They are immortalized in the nursery rhyme “Oranges and Lemons” in the line, “When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch.” The current bells, twelve in number, were cast in 1994. Yet, they continue the centuries-old tradition of ringing out across Shoreditch.
Beyond its theatrical connections, the Parish Church of St. Leonard has a fascinating history. The church’s tracker organ, built by Richard Bridge in 1756, is a rare surviving example of an organ without pedals and features all its original wooden pipes. The churchyard holds the grave of James Parkinson, the physician who first described Parkinson’s disease. And, in a quirky twist, the church’s clock faces were recently restored with the help of a grant. This restoration ensures that this historic landmark will continue to mark time in Shoreditch for years to come.
The Parish Church of St. Leonard is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living story. It’s a place where the whispers of history intertwine with the present, offering a unique glimpse into the soul of Shoreditch.