Saint Marychurch Street, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4HZ
St Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe
Church
Place photograph
4.8
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.8Rotherhithe’s maritime past is written into this church: Mayflower captain Christopher Jones was buried here in 1622, and the building preserves other traces of the community shaped by ships and the Thames.
This is a compact, urban heritage visit rather than a wild landscape. Its distinct appeal is the meeting of parish history and Rotherhithe’s maritime story, with the Mayflower connection and reported ship-timber furnishings offering details to seek out if the church is open.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapSaint Marychurch Street, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4HZ
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The experience
Allow time to look for the Mayflower memorial and, if the church is open, its maritime references. This is a short heritage stop; combine it with a walk around historic Rotherhithe for a longer outing.
Things to do
Find the Mayflower memorial
Look for the memorial to Captain Christopher Jones, Mayflower master, who was buried in the churchyard. His precise grave location is not known.
10–20 minutes
Notice the church’s maritime details
If the church is open, look for its maritime references. A visitor account describes chairs made from salvaged HMS Temeraire timbers; confirm what is visible on the day.
15–30 minutes
Explore historic Rotherhithe on foot
Extend the church visit with a walk through Rotherhithe’s maritime streets and riverside setting; the cited local walking sources describe the area’s historic places and Thames connections.
1–2 hours
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
The Mayflower connection
- 01
Check with the church before visiting, as public opening is not confirmed.
- 02
If access is available, look for the memorial to Captain Christopher Jones and the church’s maritime references.
- 03
Remember that the exact location of Jones’s grave is not known.
Half day · Half day
A short Rotherhithe history walk
- 01
Start at St Mary’s Church and look for its Mayflower memorial if the site is open.
- 02
Continue through historic Rotherhithe, using the riverside and local historic places as waypoints.
- 03
Consider the Mayflower pub and Brunel Museum as nearby stops; check their current access and opening separately.
Verified history
The present church was completed in 1716, replacing earlier church buildings on the site. Christopher Jones, master and part-owner of the Mayflower, was buried in the churchyard on 5 March 1622; the exact grave location is not known. A memorial tablet and a churchyard memorial commemorate the connection. Visitor accounts also describe maritime furnishings, including chairs made from salvaged HMS Temeraire timbers.
Hidden details
The grave’s location is uncertain — Christopher Jones was buried in the churchyard, but a visitor account notes that the exact location of his grave is not known. Look for the memorial rather than expecting a clearly identified grave.
A ship’s timber in the church furnishings — A visitor account reports chairs made from salvaged timbers of HMS Temeraire. Their present visibility should be checked during a visit.
When to go
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December · Check church opening before visiting; no evidence supports a preferred time of day.
The main draw is the church’s history rather than a seasonal natural feature. Access and opening arrangements are not confirmed.
Check the forecast if adding a longer walk around Rotherhithe; church opening and access should be checked separately.
Worth pairing with
Historic Rotherhithe walk
A walking-tour source describes a route through the area’s maritime history and riverside setting, with the Mayflower and other local landmarks. Check current tour arrangements if seeking a guided walk.
Brunel Museum
A local walking guide identifies the museum and Thames Tunnel site as a nearby history-focused pairing for a Rotherhithe outing. Check current opening and admission details before visiting.
The Mayflower pub
A Rotherhithe walking source identifies the pub as part of the area’s Mayflower story. Check current opening and food arrangements directly.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the memorial to Mayflower captain Christopher Jones and the church’s maritime details. A supplied visitor account also describes furnishings made from HMS Temeraire timbers
- 02
confirm what is currently visible inside.
The story
Maritime; American connection; Saints & pilgrimage
Best time to go
Year-round; check opening before visiting.
Any season can suit a church visit, but opening is not confirmed. Check directly before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9am-6pm
- Wednesday: 9am-6pm
- Thursday: 9am-6pm
- Friday: 9am-6pm
- Saturday: 9am-6pm
- Sunday: 9am-6pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The church’s visitor access and current opening arrangements are not confirmed here. Check with the church before travelling; do not assume the interior or churchyard will be open. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The supplied listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance; internal access and other accessibility details are not confirmed. Check with the church before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around St Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
