St George’s Bloomsbury is an early Georgian church on Bloomsbury Way, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Its Roman-style portico and stepped tower, topped by a statue of George I in Roman dress, make the exterior worth a close look. Inside, the compact square layout draws attention to stained-glass windows showing the evangelists, intricate staircases and a Dutch candelabrum. The church also appears in Hogarth’s Gin Lane and hosts services and candlelit concerts. It is a short walk from the British Museum and Drury Lane, so it fits well between nearby stops.
Hawksmoor’s church in Bloomsbury
St George’s was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, the English architect whose work gives the church its distinctive classical form. Built in the early Georgian period, it was intended to help the Church of England compete with the non-conformist chapels appearing in the 1700s.
The church stands on Bloomsbury Way in the Borough of Camden, within walking distance of Holborn station. Its exterior is easy to recognise: a grand Roman-style portico fronts the building, while the tower rises in a series of stepped levels. A statue of George I, dressed in Roman style, stands at its summit. The tower’s form is said to echo the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
Hawksmoor’s church has had several roles over time. It hosted the memorial service for suffragette Emily Davison and served as the University of London’s official church. It also appears in William Hogarth’s Gin Lane, giving the building a place in a well-known image of London life.
Details inside the church
The interior has a compact square plan, shaped by the limits of its site. Its scale is intimate, but there is plenty to look at: stained-glass windows depict the evangelists with their symbols, and staircases add detail to the interior. A Dutch candelabrum forms a striking centrepiece.
Take a moment to look closely at the windows and their symbols, including the eagle and the bull. The light is another part of the experience, and the church’s acoustics come into their own during music performances.
Services and concerts
St George’s remains an active church, with a programme that includes services, multicultural worship and concerts. Candlelit choral performances are among the events held in the building. Check the church’s current calendar if you want to attend a service or performance, and confirm visitor access before travelling, as access may depend on scheduled activity.
The church is a short walk from the British Museum and Drury Lane, making it easy to include as a pause between nearby sights. Set aside time to see both the tower and interior, rather than stopping only for an exterior photograph.
Häufige Fragen
Who designed St George’s Bloomsbury?
The church was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built in the early Georgian period.
What is the statue on the tower?
A statue of George I in Roman dress stands at the top of the stepped tower.
What should I look for inside St George’s Bloomsbury?
Look for the stained-glass windows depicting the evangelists and their symbols, the staircases and the Dutch candelabrum.
Can you attend a concert at St George’s Bloomsbury?
The church hosts concerts, including candlelit choral performances. Check its current events calendar for details.
