Introduction
In the streets of Westminster, close to the Houses of Parliament, stands one of London’s more unusual churches. Completed in 1728, St John’s Smith Square is a striking survivor of the early Georgian period and carries with it stories of royal influence, architectural ambition, wartime destruction, and cultural reinvention.
The 50 New Churches Act
The church was built as part of the 50 New Churches Act of 1711, passed during the reign of Queen Anne to strengthen the position of the Church of England. Although the act proposed fifty new places of worship, only twelve were constructed. Among them, St John’s became the most costly, with an expenditure of £40,875 – the equivalent of nearly £6.5 million today.
Smith Square and Its Setting
Smith Square itself was developed in the 1720s. The surrounding streets feature early Georgian terraced houses, reflecting the style and prosperity of the age. At the centre of the square, dominating the scene, stands St John’s church – dedicated to John the Evangelist, rather than John the Baptist.
Design and Architecture
The architect was Thomas Archer, a talented designer whose work, though less well known than that of contemporaries such as John Vanbrugh or Nicholas Hawksmoor, can still be admired across the country. At St John’s, Archer employed the English Baroque style, shaped in part by his travels in Italy during his Grand Tour.
Queen Anne’s Footstool
The church has long been known by the nickname ‘Queen Anne’s Footstool’. Legend claims that when Archer consulted the queen about the design, she toppled a footstool and requested the church resemble it. The building’s four corner towers, resembling the legs of an upturned stool, give some credence to this tale – though it is more likely that the story was invented after the fact.
A Building of Contrasting Opinions
The dramatic design has provoked mixed responses. The Victorian author Charles Dickens dismissed it in Our Mutual Friend as “a very hideous church with four towers at the corners, generally resembling some petrified monster… on its back with its legs in the air.” Later generations, however, have been more sympathetic, and the church is now recognised as a Grade I listed building.
🎧Listen Now to the related podcast: Episode 40: Charles Dickens in Greenwich
Trials and Survival
St John’s has endured a turbulent history. It was gutted by fire in 1742 and suffered again during the Second World War, when bombing in 1940 left it a ruin. For years its future was uncertain, until Loryn, Lady Parker of Waddington founded the Friends of St John’s in 1962. Her campaign raised funds to restore the building and to give it a new purpose.
From Church to Concert Hall
In 1969, St John’s reopened as a concert hall, its first performance given by the celebrated soprano Dame Joan Sutherland. Since then, it has developed a strong reputation as one of London’s finest performance venues. In 2024, it was renamed Sinfonia Smith Square, reflecting its ongoing role in London’s cultural life.
Visiting Today
Visitors can enjoy more than just its history and architecture. The Footstool Café and Bar, situated in the crypt, offers a place to relax before or after events. A varied programme of concerts ensures the building continues to be filled with life and music.
Should you wish to explore it, why not combine a visit with a London Guided Walks tour such as Wonders of Whitehall or Westminster Suffragettes? Afterwards, book a ticket to one of the performances or enjoy refreshments in the café beneath this remarkable building.
