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Hidden below street level near #StMaryLeStrand the #Victorian #PublicToilets on the #Strand were closed years ago but remain in plain sight. Now one of London’s #AbandonedPlaces these forgotten spaces were made with care & kept city streets clean & healthy - a constant reminder of longstanding traditions & values towards #SocialCare #Equality & #CivicResponsibility
In Source: Strand #PublicToilets
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Changes to the designs for the #BaroqueInterior inside #StMaryLeStrand were triggered by the change of #RoyalHouse when #QueenAnne, who was the last in the line of Stuart monarchs, died in 1714. The #HouseOfStuart favoured the extravagant Catholic #Baroque style, whereas the new incoming #HouseOfHanover favoured a more restrained #Presbyterian #Palladian style.
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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Have you noticed there are no windows on ground level? Architect #JamesGibbs noted that noise generated by the horse drawn carriages in the heart of the Greater London Metropolis would be a problem, so he fitted #StMaryLeStrand with #ChurchWindows on the upper level of the #Nave only, to stop street noise entering the church. This #BaroqueInterior is beautiful & also practical!
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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1802, a stone urn atop #StMaryLeStrand fell, killing 3 men & injuring others. To watch the Heralds March & announce the #TreatyOfAmiens a man leant on the urn & caused it to accidentally fall. In fact, the fault was put in motion 100 yrs before when #JamesGibbs workmen mounted the urn on a wooden spike that rotted over time, instead of iron. #HiddenHistory #PeopleOfTheStrand
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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During the construction of #StMaryLeStrand, the #ApseWindows were made of clear glass, which was typical for churches of the time. However, it was during the #Regency era, shortly after the #Neoclassical movement exemplified by late #GeorgianArchitecture, that the #Apse Windows were replaced with painted glass, rendered in brown & yellow tones, depicting images of #ThePassion.
In Source: Apse Windows
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Heaton, Butler & Bayne replaced the #ApseWindows in the 1860s with intricate stained glass. The central window depicted the Crucifixion but this was damaged by a nearby bomb blast during the #LondonBlitz of #WW2. All of the windows were subsequently replaced in 1946 with designs created by #SidneyToy FRIBA. It’s hard to imagine #StMaryLeStrand without its striking blue windows.
In Source: Apse Windows
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Look up & consider the mastery of the #PlasterworkCeiling inside #StMaryLeStrand, showcasing intricate craftsmanship typically associated with #Georgian & #Victorian eras. In comparison, a very different #Gothic ceiling is in #WestminsterHall which has a #HammerbeamRoof. An exquisite example of a double hammerbeam roof, 1 of only 4 in the world, can be found in #MiddleTemple.
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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Inspired by #JamesGibbs personal observations of #RomanArchitecture, Italy & elements of #LondonArchitecture, #StMaryLeStrand was constructed from #PortlandStone & consecrated in 1724 by Bishop #EdmundGibson. The #JewelintheStrand was the 1st church to be built under a Commission for 50 new churches - when only 12 were actually completed - at a cost of £16000. #HiddenHistory
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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Surviving plans by #RJWithers show how the #BaroqueInterior of #StMaryLeStrand was radically changed in 1871 to enhance the #Chancel area & reconstruct the interior. Following in the #OxfordMovement High-Church tradition the #Tractarians wanted to restore catholic tradition within the Anglican Church, to emphasise the taking of the sacrament. #HiddenHistory
In Source: Oxford Movement
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Apart from the theological & liturgical reform, the #OxfordMovement made significant changes to the arrangement & decoration of the #BaroqueInterior inside #StMaryLeStrand which included: an extended & raised #Chancel; new choir stalls; a screen to the #Apse; new #BoxPew ends that were moved to create side aisles; & black terracotta tiles to replace the floor. #HiddenHistory
In Source: Oxford Movement
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The #OxfordMovement promoted the study of #ChurchMusic & a revival of ancient music, in an attempt to make it devotional. In 1862, a new organ by Messrs Hunter & Webb was set up in #StMaryLeStrand, with a pulpit that sat alongside a new sturdy altar rail. Today, the church is praised for its sensory experience & it invites you to celebrate music together #HiddenHistory
In Source: Oxford Movement
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1670, taxes on coal entering #StuartLondon were used to fund the reconstruction of #StPaulsCathedral after its destruction in the #GreatFireOfLondon. #QueenAnne reinstated this tax to finance the construction of new churches, inc. #StMaryLeStrand. The tax on coal was rated at 3 shillings per chaldron & was as unfavourable as tax on bread. #HiddenHistory
In Source: Queen Anne
Aided by the 1st complete translation of 4 books on #Architecture by #AndreaPalladio into English in 1716, a new generation of #RoyalHouse architects from the #HouseOfHanover revived Palladio’s vision. #Hanoverian churches in London embraced #Palladian & #Neoclassical styles. Palladian structural clarity, classical proportions & harmony are especially evident in #StMaryLeStrand
In Source: Royal #HouseofHanover
Imagine a colourful #Maypole 30m tall in front of #StMaryLeStrand. Dressed in flowers it was erected for the #PeopleOfTheStrand to celebrate Spring on #MayDay. But angered Puritans called it a Pagan ritual that threatened the morality of common people. They pulled the Maypole down in 1644, after which, all Maypoles were banned until the #EnglishCivilWar ended #HiddenHistory
In Source: Glorious Maypole
Newcastle Street, to the North-East of #StMaryLeStrand was formerly known as Maypole Alley, a name transferred to a narrow court on the junction of Drury Lane & Wych Street, by the #OlympicTheatre. In a twist of fate, #MaypoleAlley was moved to a location where the blacksmith #JohnClarges, who set up the 2nd #Maypole during the #Restoration, had his forge. #PeopleOfTheStrand
In Source: Maypole Alley
In a #ParodyPainting of the controversial altarpiece by #WilliamKent, a satirical artist #WilliamHogarth painted a #Cherub & a #GoldenFlyingBird. These symbols which appear in the #Apse in #StMaryleStrand show loyalty to the #Blackbird, despite the repeated claim that these symbols & the angel playing a harp, have no connection to #ThePretender, his wife Sobieska & children.
In Source: The Golden Flying Bird
The decorative #WhiteRose in the #PlasterworkCeiling of #StMaryLeStrand is a reference to the #Jacobite movement to restore the exiled Catholic King #JamesEdwardStuart aka #ThePretender to the throne. Before the #JacobiteRebellion, Jacobites met to plot in secret & the white rose or white cockade, a flower made of ribbon, was worn to identify loyalty - also worn in battle.
In Source: White Ceiling Roses
A #GoldenTriangle with Hebrew letters for God & the #DeltaEnoch are carved into the centre of the semi-dome that covers the #Apse. It’s said, the #KnightsTemplar found the symbol in the #TempleOfSolomon & brought it to Scotland. Architect #JamesGibbs & his patron #JohnErskine used the symbol inside #StMaryLeStrand to show its #Jacobite politics and alignment with the Templars.
In Source: The Golden Triangle
Welcome to #StMaryLeStrand a beautiful Parish #Church & sanctuary in the heart of London; open to all for prayer, worship & fellowship, or just to visit & enjoy. Consecrated in 1724, its Italian #Baroque #Architecture designed by #JamesGibbs, continues to inspire the #StrandAldwych area where it is known as the #JewelintheStrand Visit: stmarylestrand.com
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
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Unlock the #HiddenHistory of #StMaryLeStrand & discover a layer of digital content about the church floating inside. Stories of Kings & Queens, the religious & political forces that shaped this place & culture, along with those who lived & walked here, are written into the building & its surrounding area. Powered by #hexology, experience an immersive world in our collection:
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
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#StMaryLeStrand is the 2nd #Church in #StrandAldwych to be called by this name, the 1st situated only metres away. Mentioned in records dated 1222 ‘St Mary & the Innocents’ was destroyed in 1549 to make way for #SomersetHouse, forcing parishioners to #StClementDanes Church a short distance East. The united parish of #StMaryLeStrand with #StClementDanes still stands to this day.
In Source: The #JewelintheStrand
Beneath the foundations of #StMaryLeStrand lie traces of #Roman #Saxon & #MedievalLondon when #StrandAldwych acted as a vital link between the city & the Royal / Monastic settlement of Westminster. In the later #MiddleAges & #Tudor times, the Strand was lined with lavish town houses of bishops & nobles, many of whom are remembered in the side road & alleys named after them.
In Source: The #JewelintheStrand
At the start of the 20th century, #StMaryLeStrand narrowly escaped destruction on 2 occasions. A major redevelopment scheme by the City Council proposed to demolish the Church to widen the Strand; then the #LondonBlitz of #WW2 destroyed many buildings in the #StrandAldwych area & although the Church suffered some damage from a nearby bomb explosion, it survived.
In Source: The #JewelintheStrand
#StMaryLeStrand adorns the culturally rich #StrandAldwych area, beckoning all to admire its captivating #Baroque #Architecture. Dare to step inside & unlock the #ArchitecturalGem within its #BaroqueInterior & #ChurchExterior. Loaded with history, beauty & magnificent detail, the church invites you to open your eyes & allow yourself to be visually immersed.
In Source: The Faithful Architect
#JewelintheStrand Architect #JamesGibbs is one of Britain's most influential architects his work spans the #EnglishBaroque & #GeorgianArchitecture movements. Born into the catholic religion in 1682, Aberdeen, Scotland, he trained in Rome under the #Baroque Master #CarloFontana & upon his return to England, he was heavily influenced by Sir #ChristopherWren #StMaryLeStrand
In Source: The Faithful Architect
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Following the death of his parents #JamesGibbs travelled through Europe & in 1703, registered as a student at #TheScotsCollege in Rome; a seminary into the priesthood for the dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. But he had second thoughts & by the end of 1704 he was studying Architecture & moved to London in November 1708. #StMaryLeStrand #JewelintheStrand
In Source: The Faithful Architect
Architect #JamesGibbs took inspiration for the #ChurchExterior from #Michelangelo & the church #SantaMariaDellaPace by #PietrodaCortona. Upon the death of #QueenAnne, #JamesGibbs was controversially forced to add a #Steeple in the style of Sir #ChristopherWren to #StMaryLeStrand in 1717, using stone intended for the construction of a monument to commemorate the late #QueenAnne.
In Source: The Faithful Architect
Gracing the entrance of #StMaryLeStrand, 2 beautiful #Magnolias shelter a pair of classical #Corinthian columns with #Ionic capitals. Inspired by Italian architecture, circular steps lead up to the domed portico to start a theme for the #ChurchExterior that surrounds the church, featuring columns capped with pilasters & a decorative balustrade with vases on top.
In Source: The Faithful Architect
#StMaryLeStrand was #JamesGibbs 1st major Architectural project after his return from Italy. Other important works include #StMartinInTheFields at #TrafalgarSquare, the cylindrical Dome’d #RadcliffeCamera at #OxfordUniversity, & #SenateHouse at #CambridgeUniversity. Gibbs never married, he died in his London house & was buried in #StMaryleboneParishChurch 1754 #JewelintheStrand
In Source: The Faithful Architect
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Observe the many fascinating #BaroqueInterior design details inside #StMaryLeStrand. Follow the light from upper #ChurchWindows through the #Nave to the sanctuary nestled in the #Apse. Framed by #PaintedPanels & ultramarine #ApseWindows look at the #Carvings, #Jacobite Symbolism & Iconography inside the apse & admire the decorative #PlasterworkCeiling in white & gold above.
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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What do the crusades, Jacobites, #KnightsTemplar & #StMaryLeStrand architect #JamesGibbs have in common? Discover a #HiddenHistory of #Jacobite Symbolism & the cryptic coded meaning of: the #GoldenTriangle, a #WhiteRose in a #PlasterworkCeiling; #Carvings of Starbursts in the #Apse; the Prince behind the #GoldenFlyingBird & a #ParodyPainting for #StClementDanes church.
In Source: Jacobite Symbolism
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The #HiddenHistory of #StMaryleStrand includes its decoration which began after the #JacobiteRebellion failed. #JamesGibbs and his patron #JohnErskine worked in secret to code #Jacobite cryptic symbolism into the church to promote the cause without revealing its political meaning.
In Source: Jacobite Symbolism
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#StMaryLeStrand is the official Church of the Women’s Royal Naval Service & The #AssociationOfWrens & Women of the Royal Naval Services. During the 1984 dedication, a ‘Book of Remembrance’ listing those Wrens who died in the Service from #WW1 onwards, was moved from the #RoyalNavalCollege in Greenwich to a display in the Church. Visit: wrens.org.uk/about-us/st-mary-le-strand
In Source: Association of Wrens
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Memorials to those Wrens who lost their lives at sea during #WW2 on the SS Aguila & SS Khedive are inside the church of #StMaryLeStrand. The ladies of the #AssociationofWrens generously paid for the restoration of the bell tower & gifted the blue kneelers, the carved Paschal candlestick & a green altar frontal. Details of the Wrens annual carol service are listed in 'The Wren.'
In Source: Association of Wrens
After 2 World Wars & 300 years of wear & tear, #StMaryLeStrand is in need of restoration & some of it is urgent. In 1984, the Spire was rebuilt & since then, award-winning new steps & railings have been erected in the East; the gates & gate posts in the West conserved; & 19th Century railings, walls & pave stones in the churchyard restored. Save the #JewelintheStrand
In Source: A New #StMaryLeStrand
Expert restoration of #StMaryLeStrand includes paintings by #MatherBrown & 10 #Nave windows beautifully reglazed with 18CE glass. The blue-glass in the sanctuary dates 1946 & is the work of parish architect #SidneyToy FRIBA who replaced the originals after they were destroyed in #WW2. Yet more work needs to be done to save the #JewelintheStrand
In Source: A New #StMaryLeStrand
With a renewed mission & ministry #StMaryLeStrand stands in the heart of the regenerated #StrandAldwych area. Plans are in place to restore & redevelop the church so it is safe, accessible and fit for purpose in its new role as a place of worship & sanctuary; a public democratic space for communities & as the centrepiece of a newly pedestrianised piazza. #JewelintheStrand
In Source: A New #StMaryLeStrand
Churches do not generally receive government funding & money is needed to restore #StMaryLeStrand. The restoration work includes the stonework on the roof; electrics & heating systems, the western vestibule & steps, interior redecoration & the exterior cleaning. All this could cost over £lM. Donations are needed if all the work is to proceed. Help save the #JewelintheStrand
In Source: A New #StMaryLeStrand
We hope you enjoyed your visit to #StMaryLeStrand, if you would like to support the restoration of the church you can make a donation via the contactless donation point at the back, or #Donate via our website: stmarylestrand.com/donate
In Source: A New #StMaryLeStrand
#StMaryLeStrand is an Anglican parish #Church in the Diocese of London. Open several days a week for quiet prayer & meditation, worship is broadly traditional with congregational participation & a welcoming atmosphere. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the church & the Eucharist is celebrated twice a week & on special festivals.
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
An ideal #Venue for intimate #Concert recitals & carol services, #StMaryLeStrand #Church in #StrandAldwych #London is a #Venue that boasts stunning architecture, beautiful acoustics & a brand new Steinway Grand Piano. Known as the #JewelintheStrand it is a perfect place for all kinds of #Music, hosting live candlelit performances throughout the year.
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
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From meet-cute to marriage? #CharlesDickens parents, John & Elizabeth, were married at #StMaryLeStrand Church on June 13th 1809. #JohnDickens worked as a clerk in the #RoyalNavy Pay Office at #SomersetHouse & formed a friendship with one of his colleagues #ThomasBarrow. John’s life changed forever when Thomas introduced his lovely sister Elizabeth. #PeopleoftheStrand
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
The parish church primary school for #StMaryLeStrand is #StClementDanesCofEPrimarySchool on Drury Lane. The children, staff & parents from the school are always welcome. Visit: st-clementdanes.westminster.sch.uk
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
Explore #hexology, where digital media is floating in the world around you. Discover this content in the ‘Around Me’ page, or by opening a #Keyword #Collection such as #Art #Architecture #London or even #StMaryLeStrand. #tip To begin press the back arrow in the bottom left hand corner to open your personal feed.
In Source: Hello
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