St Andrew the Apostle CofE is a place steeped in history. It’s been standing tall amongst the bustling streets of London for centuries. It’s been through wars, fires, and rebuilding and still looks magnificent.
Imagine a building built nearly 400 years ago, only to be destroyed by fire and then by bombs in the Second World War. That’s what happened to St Andrew the Apostle CofE. A testament to London’s resilience, it was rebuilt in 1961.
The church was originally known as St Andrew juxta Baynard Castle because of its proximity to the mighty Baynard’s Castle, once a king’s fortress. It took inspiration from its neighbor. Sadly, Baynard’s Castle has been mostly destroyed, but this beautiful church still stands today as a reminder of its majestic neighbor.
It’s hard to believe looking at the church now that it once housed William Shakespeare himself as a parishioner. The famous playwright lived nearby and purchased a house within the church’s parish.
This beautiful church was built by Sir Christopher Wren, the famous English architect, and it’s considered one of his most simple yet elegant creations. Even though it’s one of his simplest, St Andrew the Apostle CofE is a gorgeous example of Wren’s skillful design. The church is renowned for its beautiful acoustics and is a perfect place to hold recitals and lectures.