London’s 2 thousand year history has seen many architectural marvels come and go over the city’s long life. Guests of the Heeton Concept Kensington are well placed to see the diverse designs of London, spanning from skyscrapers to quaint Georgian townhouses. But one aspect of the city that is often left out of regeneration plans are the city’s many churches.
Indeed, war, political turmoil and practical function has seen some of the city’s places of worship be replaced over the years, but many of London’s most venerated and famous have been left untouched for hundreds of years – save for the odd WiFi installation!
Guests of boutique hotels in West London needn’t look far to see examples of the beautiful churches of London. These buildings not only represent the Christian history of England, but the social and artistic ones too. Below is a rundown of some of the most beautiful and iconic in the English capital.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral has been rebuilt twice, once after a Norman era fire and once after the Great Fire of London. It is said that there may have been a church here as early as the 4th century, marking the importance of the site as a place of worship. Whilst the history of St Paul’s and the many famous funerals and weddings that have taken place here are interesting, its Sir Christopher Wren conceived architecture is equally so. The Whispering Gallery and artworks within are worth the entry fee alone, whilst the distinctive dome of St Paul’s is a view that has been preserved from many of the city’s hills and viewpoints.
Fitzrovia Chapel
Originally built as a hospital chapel, Fitzrovia’s beautiful chapel has been left to stand on its own two feet as an arts venue, one that is a work of art in and of itself. Dating back to the late 19th century, Fitzrovia Chapel is clad in luxurious marble and gold with beautiful stained glass windows. Galleries such as the Frieze and artists such as Tom Croft have used Fitzrovia Chapel to showcase work as diverse as sculptures and installations as well as portraits of “NHS heroes”.
Westminster Cathedral
Guests of the Heeton Concept Hotel Kensington need only travel a few stops on the Circle Line to reach this Victoria situated Roman Catholic Cathedral. Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, the cathedral of the same name is neo-Byzantine in its architecture, unique to London’s usual gothic stylings, and was completed in 1903. Now the seat of the Diocese of Westminster, this is a unique bastion to Roman Catholicism that is as striking on the inside as it is the out.
Westminster Abbey
Though it’s not technically a church, Westminster Abbey is one of the most prominent places of worship in London thanks to its many memorials to influential figures throughout the country’s history. Open to the public and guests of the Heeton Concept Hotel as a tourist attraction, the beautiful Gothic abbey dates back to the seventh century but has its roots as a priory long before. Here you’ll find tombs for many great kings and queens of England, alongside stunning decorative artworks and Norman era undercrofts.
