St George the Martyr

Did the bells of St George the Martyr chime as joyously in 1415 as they do today? Imagine London bursting with pride as Henry V, fresh from his victory at Agincourt, processed through the city. He was greeted on the steps of St George the Martyr by the city’s aldermen. It’s a powerful image, the triumphant king standing before this sturdy church. St George the Martyr, a steadfast presence in Southwark, has witnessed centuries of London’s history. The church we see today, a beautiful blend of red brick and Portland stone, dates back to 1736. Designed by John Price, it replaced an earlier structure deemed ruinous. This wasn’t the first church to occupy this site either. Records show a church dedicated to St. George existed here as early as 1122, a remarkably early dedication to the saint. This makes St George the Martyr one of the oldest churches dedicated to him in all of England. Imagine the church standing proudly, its tower and spire dominating the view along Borough High Street. The church has survived wars and seen London evolve around it. Its walls hold echoes of Dickens, whose father was imprisoned in the nearby Marshalsea prison. Dickens even included St George the Martyr in his novel “Little Dorrit,” cementing the church’s place in literary history. Look closely at the east window. You’ll find a small image of Little Dorrit herself. Inside St George the Martyr, admire the ornate ceiling painted by Basil Champneys in 1897. Marvel at the coats of arms of the City Livery Companies adorning the frieze. This is a church steeped in history, a place where the past comes alive. A visit to St George the Martyr is a journey through time, a testament to the enduring spirit of London and the power of community.