Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden, St Paul’s Church is one of London’s most fascinating yet often overlooked landmarks. Known affectionately as “The Actor’s Church”, it holds a unique place in the city’s religious, architectural, and theatrical history. 📕Read more: Covent Garden Puppet Festival: Punch & Judy
Religious and Architectural History
The Saint Paul’s Church was the first purpose-built protestant church in England, even though it was built around 100 years after Henry VIII broke with the Roman Catholic church and created the Church of England and made himself the Supreme Governor of it. It was commissioned by the 4th Earl of Bedford in 1631. The Earl of Bedford asked the leading architect of the day Inigo Jones to design the church (many other buildings in the Covent Garden piazza are attributed to him).
Apparently, the Earl of Bedford asked Jones to design a simple church “not much better than a barn” (possibly trying to save money!); Jones is said to have replied “you will have the finest barn in England”. You look at the finest barn in England when you view the church.
The church is actually back to front! The impressive portico on the square was intended to be the entrance (and very much looks like an entrance!). It was then realised it faces east which is where the altar should be! So, the front became the back and the back the front! The church cost £4,886. It was finished in 1633 but not consecrated until 1638.
Historical Figures and Memorials
It is called ‘The Actors’ Church’ due to its association with the acting profession. There are large numbers of theatres in this area. Actors who have passed away sometimes have their memorial services there. There are many plaques to actors who have passed away inside the church and in the courtyard, from Charlie Chaplin to Dame Barbara Windsor. JMW Turner (Joseph Mallord William Turner but known as William) was baptised here on 14th May 1775, being born on Maiden Lane on 23rd April. His parents were married here in 1773. His father was a barber and wigmaker based on Maiden Lane and is buried here.
There is a memorial plaque inside to honour and commemorate both his parents. He was close to his father and deeply saddened by his passing. Thomas Arne was baptised here and also buried in the churchyard. He wrote the music for ‘Rule Britannia’, James Thomson wrote the original poem there is a memorial plaque inside that commemorates him and references ‘Rule Britannia’ and includes part of the score on the memorial. 🔊Listen Now: Episode 89: Thomas Arne in Covent Garden
St Paul Covent Garden, Photos by Philip Scott
Another interesting memorial plaque is to the actor Charles Macklin. A famous 18th century actor. On his plaque is ‘Aetatis 107’ meaning he lived to 107! This is now disputed! He was based primarily at the Drury Lane Theatre, he helped to revolutionise acting by promoting a more natural style often in comedy. He had many arguments with people including a massive falling out with David Garrick In 1735 he accidentally killed another actor in a dispute about a wig!! He was involved in many lawsuits. The plaque is a glorification of him by wife.
Also in the baptismal register and parish birth register are the names of several ‘dropt’ children. These were children who were abandoned in the vicinity of the church. Around the same time as JMW Turner was being baptised there is record of a Pricilla Passage, Kendrick King and Henrietta Street. They were named where they were found and taken in by the parish. Sadly Priscilla and Henrietta appear in the Register of Deaths about a month later, Kendrick made it to 14 months. Many abandoned children were the consequence of the sex trade.
Social History and Poverty
It has been estimated by some that in the late 18th century there were 50,000 prostitutes working on the streets of London, some of them were children in their early teens. Parish records also show that a number of people were found dead in the churchyard in the 18th century. Some desperate people who were sick or maybe homeless or starving sometimes went to the churchyard looking for help but died soon after. There was at least one murder in the churchyard. We know that in the last week of January 1716 someone was murdered by a sword.
Restoration and Resilience
During the late 1780s the church had fallen into disrepair and was restored by the architect Thomas Hardwick at a cost of £11,723. Sadly, in 1795, 6 years after the restoration, plumbers working on the bell turret left a fire burning while they went for lunch. The result was extensive damage to the church with only the walls still standing! Thomas Hardwick was again brought in to restore the church which was reconsecrated in 1798. This is what we see today. St.Paul’s is very much an active church. It prides itself on its inclusivity. Many events are held in the churchyard.
Fascinated by the story and history of St Paul’s Covent Garden? Why not come and join my Quirky Westminster Walk which includes a stop at the “finest barn in England”. Book your spot now!
