St George The Martyr Church

Nestled in the bustling heart of Southwark, St George the Martyr Church stands as a silent witness to centuries of London’s vibrant history. The church we see today, a beautiful structure of red brick and Portland stone, isn’t the first St George the Martyr to grace this spot. Records show a church dedicated to St. George existed here as early as 1122, a gift to Bermondsey Abbey. This makes St George the Martyr one of the oldest churches dedicated to the saint in all of England, predating even Edward III’s adoption of St. George as patron of the Order of the Garter. Imagine London in 1415, a city buzzing with the triumph of Agincourt. Henry V, returning victorious, was greeted with joyous celebrations. Historical accounts suggest the procession welcoming him passed right by St George the Martyr Church, a pivotal point in the city’s celebration. The church has been rebuilt and renovated several times throughout its long life. The current structure, designed by John Price, was completed in 1736, partially funded by a grant for building new churches in the burgeoning city. The church’s striking west tower, a prominent landmark on Borough High Street, has witnessed the evolution of the surrounding area. Dickens, the chronicler of London life, has deep connections to St George the Martyr. His father was imprisoned in the nearby Marshalsea prison, the remnants of which still stand next to the churchyard. Dickens himself lived nearby on Lant Street. St George’s appears in his novel “Little Dorrit,” and a small image of Amy Dorrit can be found in the church’s east window. Inside St George the Martyr, look up to admire the stunning ceiling, a masterpiece by Basil Champneys. Cherubs burst through a painted sky, a dramatic contrast to the church’s classical architecture. The coats of arms of several City Livery Companies, proud supporters of the church, adorn the frieze. The church’s history is not without its challenges. It has suffered subsidence and wartime damage. Yet, each time, St George the Martyr has been restored, a testament to its enduring significance. St George the Martyr is more than just a church. It’s a storybook of London’s past, whispering tales of kings and prisoners, of famous authors and everyday citizens. It’s a place where history comes alive, inviting you to step inside and become a part of its ongoing narrative.