What are the alternative names for St James's Church in Piccadilly?

St James's Church, Piccadilly is also known by the names St James's Church, Westminster, and St James-in-the-Fields. These names help to identify its location and historical context within London.

Who designed and built St James's Church, Piccadilly?

The church was designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren. Wren was a highly influential architect responsible for numerous significant buildings in London, particularly after the Great Fire of London.

What primary materials were used in the construction of St James's Church, Piccadilly?

St James's Church, Piccadilly, is constructed from red brick, with Portland stone used for its dressings. These materials were commonly employed in English ecclesiastical architecture of the period.

Which notable artists contributed significant works to the interior of St James's Church, Piccadilly?

The carved marble baptismal font and the limewood reredos are notable works within the church, both created by Grinling Gibbons. Gibbons was a celebrated sculptor renowned for his intricate wood and stone carvings.

When was an external pulpit added to St James's Church, Piccadilly, and who was involved in its creation?

An outside pulpit was erected on the north wall of the church in 1902. It was designed by Temple Moore and carved by Laurence Arthur Turner.

What happened to the external pulpit during World War II, and was it restored?

The external pulpit sustained damage in 1940 due to enemy action during the London Blitz. It was subsequently restored as part of the broader restoration efforts for the church's fabric.

Who was granted land for the development that included St James's Church, Piccadilly, and when did this occur?

Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St Albans, received a grant of land for residential development, which included a site for the parish church and churchyard, in 1662. This development took place on land that was then considered on the outskirts of London.

When was Christopher Wren appointed as the architect for St James's Church, Piccadilly?

Christopher Wren was appointed as the architect for St James's Church, Piccadilly, in 1672. This appointment occurred over a decade before the church's consecration.

Who consecrated St James's Church, Piccadilly, and on what date?

The church was consecrated by Henry Compton, the Bishop of London, on July 13, 1684. This event marked the official opening of the church for religious services.

How was St James's Church, Piccadilly, affected by enemy action during the London Blitz?

St James's Church, Piccadilly, suffered severe damage from enemy action on October 14, 1940, during the London Blitz. This event necessitated extensive repairs and restoration after the war.

Who was the principal architect responsible for the restoration of St James's Church, Piccadilly, after World War II?

Sir Albert Richardson served as the architect overseeing the restoration of St James's Church, Piccadilly, following World War II. The restoration work was carried out by specialist contractors, Rattee and Kett of Cambridge.

When was the post-war restoration of St James's Church, Piccadilly, completed?

The restoration of St James's Church, Piccadilly, was completed in 1954. As part of this restoration, the original lead-covered spire was replaced with a lighter fiberglass replica.

What is Southwood Garden, and when was it established?

Southwood Garden is a garden of remembrance created in the churchyard after the Second World War. It was established by Viscount Southwood to honor the resilience of Londoners and was inaugurated by Queen Mary in 1946.

What challenges did St James's Church, Piccadilly, face during the 1960s and 1970s?

During the 1960s and 1970s, St James's Church, like many other central London churches, experienced a decline in its congregation and overall activity. This was partly due to fewer local residents and the increasing commercialization of the surrounding area.

What was the bishop's directive to Donald Reeves when he was offered the rectorship in 1980?

When Donald Reeves was offered the position of rector in 1980, the bishop reportedly instructed him, 'I don't mind what you do, just keep it open.' This statement underscored the church's critical need for revitalization.

How does the current community at St James's describe itself, and what is its central focus?

The community at St James's prefers to be identified as a community rather than a congregation. Its central focus is the Eucharist, which is celebrated as the principal Christian sacrament.

What progressive stances has the St James's community actively supported?

The community at St James's has actively supported progressive causes such as the ordination of women to all church orders and advocating for the just treatment of asylum seekers and those experiencing poverty. They emphasize a philosophy of radical welcome rooted in the Gospels.

What controversy did St James's Church face in 2023?

In 2023, St James's Church organized a drag show, which generated controversy and drew criticism from some who deemed it inappropriate. This event sparked public discussion about the church's programming choices.

What significant achievement did St James's Church have at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024?

In May 2024, St James's Church made history by being the first church to present a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Its gold award-winning garden, titled 'Imagine the World to be Different,' was designed by Robert Myers to highlight the restorative impact of urban green spaces.

Who sponsored the award-winning garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, and what was its purpose?

The garden was sponsored by Project Giving Back to support its fundraising campaign for the Wren Project, which aims to revitalize the church and its garden. The garden itself was designed by Robert Myers.

Who created the ornate organ case on the west wall of St James's Church, Piccadilly?

The elaborate organ case, crafted from carved and gilded oak, was created by Grinling Gibbons. Gibbons was a highly skilled sculptor known for his detailed decorative work.

Whose organ was originally housed in the case on the west wall, and where was it first built?

The organ case originally housed an organ built by Renatus Harris for the Roman Catholic chapel at Whitehall Palace. This organ was subsequently installed at St James's Church in 1691.

What is the current state of the historic organ case at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

The historic organ case currently sits empty, as the original organ has been replaced by an electronic instrument. A restoration project is underway with the intention of rebuilding a new organ within the historic case.

Are concerts regularly held at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

Yes, concerts are regularly hosted at St James's Church, Piccadilly. These events feature performances by a variety of popular contemporary musicians.

Name some contemporary musicians who have performed concerts at St James's Church, Piccadilly.

Musicians such as John Grant, Tokio Myers, Victoria Canal, R.E.M., Laura Marling, Penn Masala, and Devin Townsend have performed concerts at the church. These performances demonstrate the venue's appeal to diverse musical artists.

What artistic initiative was run by Hauser & Wirth in the church grounds?

Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery, organized a series of outdoor sculpture exhibitions in Southwood Garden, located within the church grounds, between 2009 and 2010. The inaugural exhibition featured works by the Swiss sculptor Hans Josephsohn.

What was the 'Bethlehem Unwrapped' demonstration, and what did it include?

Held from December 23, 2013, to January 5, 2014, the 'Bethlehem Unwrapped' demonstration featured an art installation protesting the Israeli West Bank barrier. This installation included a large replica section of the barrier, created by artists Justin Butcher, Geof Thompson, and Dean Willars.

What significant artwork by Jesse Darling was installed in the church in October 2022?

In October 2022, Turner Prize-nominated artist Jesse Darling installed Miserere in the church. This substantial new work was conceived as a choir or congregation.

What artistic commemoration took place in September 2023 at St James's?

In September 2023, a series of murals by Che Lovelace were unveiled at St James's Church. These murals commemorate the 250th anniversary of the baptism of the abolitionist Ottobah Cugoano and represent the church's first permanent commissioned artwork dedicated to him.

Who were some of the early Rectors of St James's Church, Piccadilly, who later achieved high ecclesiastical office?

Thomas Tenison and William Wake both served as Rectors of St James's before going on to become Archbishop of Canterbury. This indicates the historical prominence of the church's leadership.

Which Rector of St James's was also known as a philosopher?

Samuel Clarke, who served as Rector from 1709 to 1729, was also a distinguished philosopher. His tenure combined pastoral duties with significant intellectual contributions.

Who is the current Rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly?

The current Rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly, is Lucy Winkett. She assumed this role in 2010.

Who served as the choirmaster at St James's Church, Piccadilly, from 1902 to 1905?

Leopold Stokowski served as the choirmaster at St James's Church, Piccadilly, from 1902 until 1905, before relocating to a similar position in New York.

Name three notable individuals baptized at St James's Church, Piccadilly.

Notable individuals baptized at St James's include Sir Joseph Banks, a renowned botanist; William Blake, the influential poet and artist; and Ottobah Cugoano, a prominent abolitionist.

Under what name was Ottobah Cugoano baptized at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

Ottobah Cugoano was baptized at St James's Church on August 20, 1773, under the name John Stuart. He later became widely known by his birth name.

Whose great-grandparents were married at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

John Ross and Alicia Arnold, the paternal great-grandparents of Francis Scott Key (author of the American national anthem), were married at St James's Church. This connects the church to a significant figure in American history.

Who did the artist Angelica Kauffman marry at St James's Church, Piccadilly, and what was notable about this marriage?

Angelica Kauffman married Frederick de Horn at St James's Church in 1767. The marriage was notable because Horn was an imposter who was already married, while Kauffman was a successful artist.

Who did the explorer George Bass marry at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

George Bass, the explorer known for his discoveries in Australia and the Bass Strait, married Elizabeth Waterhouse at St James's Church in 1800.

Who did the author Robert Graves marry at St James's Church, Piccadilly, and who served as best man?

Robert Graves married Nancy Nicholson in the church in 1918. The best man at their wedding was George Mallory, the noted mountaineer.

Who is John Seward Johnson I, and whom did he marry at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

John Seward Johnson I, an American heir and son of Robert Wood Johnson I (co-founder of Johnson & Johnson), married Ruth Dill at St James's Church in 1924. Ruth Dill was the sister of Diana Dill.

Who is Flora Ogilvy, and what significant event occurred for her at St James's Church, Piccadilly?

Flora Ogilvy, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, had her marriage to Timothy Vesterberg blessed at St James's Church on September 10, 2021. This event linked her to the British royal family.

What is Mary Beale known for, and what is noted about her memorial?

Mary Beale, buried in 1699, was one of England's first professional women artists. Her memorial is located within St James's Church, recognizing her contribution to the arts.

What significant role did Sir Richard Croft play that is mentioned in relation to his memorial?

Sir Richard Croft, a physician to the British Royal Family, served as the obstetrician to Princess Charlotte of Wales. He gained notoriety for his role in the 'triple obstetrical tragedy' of 1817, and his memorial is in the church.

What was William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry, commonly known as?

William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry, was commonly referred to as 'Old Q.'. His burial is recorded at St James's Church, Piccadilly.

What was James Gillray known for?

James Gillray was a highly regarded caricaturist. His burial is recorded at St James's Church, Piccadilly, acknowledging his significant contribution to satirical art.

What is Bartholomew Ruspini remembered for in relation to his memorial?

Bartholomew Ruspini, an 18th-century surgeon-dentist and philanthropist, is remembered for founding the Royal Masonic School for Girls. His memorial is located in St James's Church.

Who was Benjamin Stillingfleet, and what distinction is mentioned regarding him?

Benjamin Stillingfleet was a botanist noted as the first bluestocking. His burial is recorded at St James's Church, Piccadilly, highlighting his association with the intellectual Bluestocking movement.

Where was the detached burial ground for St James's Church, Piccadilly, located?

A separate burial ground for St James's Church was established in Camden Town. This ground was utilized for burials from 1790 until 1853.

What Act of Parliament authorized the creation of the detached burial ground and a chapel for St James's?

The Saint James, Westminster Improvement Act 1789 (cited as 29 Geo. 3. c. 47) authorized the provision of an additional burying ground for the parish and the construction of an adjoining chapel. The act also arranged for clergy housing to officiate burials.

Who designed the chapel of ease associated with the detached burial ground, and when did it open?

The chapel of ease, built in connection with the detached burial ground, was designed by Thomas Hardwick. It opened in 1791.

How did the High Speed 2 (HS2) project impact St James's Gardens?

The High Speed 2 (HS2) project led to the closure of St James's Gardens in 2017 to facilitate the expansion of Euston station. Archaeologists working on HS2 excavated approximately 40,000 burials from the site between 2018 and 2020.

St James S Church Piccadilly Wiki: Piccadilly's Pillar: The Enduring Grace of St James's

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Architectural Marvel

Wren's Vision

Designed by the eminent Sir Christopher Wren, St James's Church stands as a testament to English Baroque architecture. Constructed primarily from red brick with distinguished Portland stone dressings, its exterior presents a dignified and robust facade.

The church's construction utilized red brick for its main structure, complemented by Portland stone for the dressings and quoins, providing a classic and enduring aesthetic. The design reflects Wren's characteristic blend of classical proportions and innovative spatial arrangements.

Interior Splendor

The interior is renowned for its spaciousness and elegant design, featuring galleries on three sides supported by slender, square pillars. The nave is crowned by a graceful barrel vault, further enhanced by Corinthian columns.

The interior's notable features include:

Galleries: Providing additional seating and enhancing the sense of space, supported by classical pillars.
Barrel Vault Nave: A sophisticated ceiling structure that creates an open and airy atmosphere.
Grinling Gibbons Masterpieces: The intricately carved marble baptismal font and the limewood reredos are exquisite examples of Gibbons' renowned sculptural artistry.

A Rich History

Foundation and Consecration

The church's origins trace back to Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St Albans, who secured land for its development in 1672. Christopher Wren was appointed architect, and the church was consecrated on July 13, 1684, subsequently becoming the parish church for the newly created St James's parish in 1685.

Resilience Through Time

St James's Church endured significant damage during the London Blitz on October 14, 1940. Following the war, it was meticulously restored by Sir Albert Richardson, with the lead spire being replaced by a lighter fiberglass replica. The restored interior, including its furnishings, is a notable example of Richardson's work.

The restoration efforts, completed in 1954, aimed to preserve the church's architectural integrity while adapting it for continued use. The replacement of the spire and the careful refurbishment of the interior fittings ensured its survival as a significant landmark.

Southwood Garden

Established after World War II by Viscount Southwood, the Southwood Garden serves as a tranquil memorial, dedicated "to commemorate the courage and fortitude of the people of London." Queen Mary officially opened the garden in 1946.

Contemporary Life

A Vibrant Community

Under the rectorship of Donald Reeves, St James's has cultivated a reputation as a progressive and active community. It centers its spiritual life around the Eucharist and fosters a diverse range of groups, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and social engagement.

The church community actively supports causes such as the ordination of women and the welfare of asylum seekers and those experiencing poverty. It embraces a philosophy of "radical welcome," drawing inspiration from the Gospels and the Incarnation.

Cultural Engagements

St James's is a venue for regular concerts, hosting a variety of contemporary musicians and ensembles. It also participates in cultural events, notably receiving a gold award for its 'Imagine the World to be Different' garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2024, highlighting urban green spaces.

Notable musical performances have featured artists like John Grant and Tokio Myers. The church's involvement in the Chelsea Flower Show underscores its commitment to community outreach and the arts.

Artistic Expressions

The church grounds have hosted various art installations and exhibitions, including works by Hans Josephsohn and Jesse Darling. A significant recent development was the unveiling of murals by Che Lovelace, commemorating the abolitionist Ottobah Cugoano, marking the church's first permanent commissioned artwork.

These artistic interventions, alongside events like the "Bethlehem Unwrapped" demonstration, reflect the church's engagement with contemporary social and artistic discourse. While some events, such as a drag show in 2023, have generated discussion, they highlight the church's role as a space for diverse expression.

Art & Music

The Grand Organ

The west wall is dominated by a magnificent oak organ case crafted by Grinling Gibbons. Originally housing an organ by Renatus Harris, it has undergone various modifications, including a rebuild by J. C. Bishop in 1852. A restoration project is ongoing, with proposals for a new organ within the historic case.

The current organ case is empty, with an electronic replacement in use. The ongoing restoration aims to preserve this significant piece of craftsmanship.

Concert Venue

St James's Church regularly hosts concerts, attracting a diverse range of artists from various genres. These events contribute to the church's role as a cultural hub within the Piccadilly area.

Past performers include John Grant, Tokio Myers, Victoria Canal, Laura Marling, Penn Masala, and Devin Townsend, showcasing the church's versatility as a performance space.

Notable Figures

Baptisms

The church has been the site of significant baptisms throughout its history, marking the entry of notable individuals into the Christian faith.

Sir Joseph Banks (1743)
William Blake (1757)
Ottobah Cugoano (1773)
George Thomas Smart (1776)

Weddings

Numerous notable weddings have taken place at St James's, uniting individuals from artistic, political, and social spheres.

John Ross and Alicia Arnold (ancestors of Francis Scott Key)
James Oswald (composer) and Mary Ann Melvill (1744)
Angelica Kauffman and Frederick de Horn (1767)
Robert Graves (author) and Nancy Nicholson (1918)
Flora Ogilvy and Timothy Vesterberg (blessed 2021)

Burials & Memorials

Notable Burials

The churchyard and the church itself serve as the final resting place for many distinguished individuals across various fields.

John Arbuthnot (1735)
Charles Bridgeman (1738)
Matthew Flinders (1774–1814)
Lord George Gordon (1751–1793)
Bill Richmond (1763–1829)
James Christie (1730–1803)

Notable Memorials

Memorials within the church commemorate individuals whose contributions spanned science, art, and public service.

William Blake (poet, painter)
Richard Bright (physician, kidney disease pioneer)
Mary Delany (artist, Bluestocking)
William Hunter (anatomist)
Thomas Sydenham (physician)

The Camden Burial Ground

A Separate Resting Place

An Act of Parliament in 1789 established a detached burial ground for St James's parish in Camden, which operated from 1790 to 1853. A chapel of ease, designed by Thomas Hardwick, was also erected nearby.

The burial ground eventually fell into disrepair, becoming St James's Gardens, with only a few gravestones remaining. The chapel was granted its own parish in 1871.

HS2 and Reinterment

Expansion work for the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project led to the excavation of approximately 40,000 burials from the former St James's Gardens between 2018 and 2020. The remains were carefully reinterred at Brookwood Cemetery, with the exception of Matthew Flinders, whose remains were returned to his home village.

Archaeologists meticulously documented the findings, and the reburial process was managed with sensitivity. An exhibition by the Museum of London Archaeology in 2023 shared stories from the burial ground.

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References

Evening Concerts Website detailing REM performance.

Laura Marling unveils church tour details. NME reveals details of Laura Marling's church tour.

An Evening with Devin Townsend Jon Stickler, stereoboard.com 07 September 2015, accessed 29 July 2019

The Lost World of Francis Scott Key â By Sina Dubovoy, accessed 29 July 2019

A full list of references for this article are available at the St James's Church, Piccadilly Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not architectural or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding historical sites, architectural preservation, or London's heritage. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Piccadilly's Pillar

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Architectural Marvel 🏛️

🏗️ Wren's Vision

✨ Interior Splendor

A Rich History 📜

📅 Foundation and Consecration

🛡️ Resilience Through Time

🌳 Southwood Garden

Contemporary Life 🌟

🤝 A Vibrant Community

🎶 Cultural Engagements

🎨 Artistic Expressions

Art & Music 🎵

🎼 The Grand Organ

🎤 Concert Venue

Notable Figures 👤

👶 Baptisms

💍 Weddings

Burials & Memorials ⚰️

⚰️ Notable Burials

🎗️ Notable Memorials

The Camden Burial Ground 🌳

📜 A Separate Resting Place

🚄 HS2 and Reinterment

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Architectural Marvel

Wren's Vision

Interior Splendor

A Rich History

Foundation and Consecration

Resilience Through Time

Southwood Garden

Contemporary Life

A Vibrant Community

Cultural Engagements

Artistic Expressions

Art & Music

The Grand Organ

Concert Venue

Notable Figures

Baptisms

Weddings

Burials & Memorials

Notable Burials

Notable Memorials

The Camden Burial Ground

A Separate Resting Place

HS2 and Reinterment

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice