“A church that’s been in the fields” you might say. That’s the intriguing story of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Right here in Trafalgar Square. But it wasn’t always surrounded by bustling streets.
St Martin-in-the-Fields has a rich history stretching back centuries. It’s dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours a saint known for his generosity. The church’s location was once farmland. It was literally “in the fields”. A church stood on this very spot since at least the medieval period.
The story of St Martin-in-the-Fields is full of fascinating details. In 2006 excavations revealed Roman burials. This suggests a possible early Christian presence. Amazingly Saxon burials were found too. The site was clearly significant for many centuries. The earliest written record of the church is from 1222. There was a dispute about who controlled it.
A medieval church stood here. Henry VIII rebuilt it in 1542. He wanted to stop plague victims going near his palace. The church expanded in 1607 under James I. By the 18th century it was falling apart. The current building is a neoclassical masterpiece. James Gibbs designed it between 1722 and 1726. Gibbs’ design was innovative. He put the steeple in the centre. It’s a striking visual anchor of Trafalgar Square.
The church has seen remarkable changes. It has been rebuilt several times. It has been an important focal point for centuries. Famous people were buried there including Robert Boyle Nell Gwyn and John Parkinson. The churchyard was later removed to create Duncannon Street.
St Martin-in-the-Fields continues to thrive. It’s known as the “Church of the Ever Open Door”. This is due to its work with the homeless and young people. It even hosts a cafe and jazz concerts in its crypt. The church has a close connection to the royal family.
A major renewal project took place from 2006 to 2008. This restored the building and added new facilities. The church’s bells cast in 1725 were moved to Australia. The current bells are rung every Sunday. They are even rung during London Pride.
St Martin-in-the-Fields appears in countless films and novels. From Dickens’ “David Copperfield” to Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four”. Its enduring presence in London makes it a significant part of the city’s history and culture. This place remains a beacon of faith community and remarkable history. Isn’t that something to marvel at?