86 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3BP
The Guild Church of St Katharine Cree
Church
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A church has stood on this site since at least the twelfth century; the present building is a rare Jacobean church consecrated in 1631. It survived the Great Fire of London, and its unusual name is linked to the former Priory of Holy Trinity, also known as Christ Church.
A compact, history-rich pause in the City: St Katharine Cree combines a rare Jacobean church with a much older religious site and a story that reaches from the Priory of Holy Trinity to the Great Fire. Its restricted visiting hours make checking ahead essential.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open map86 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3BP
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The experience
A short, focused visit to a distinctive City church. Check the current visiting hours before setting out; the church’s official visitor information recommends contacting it if making a special trip. Guided small-group tours are also described by the church.
Things to do
Explore the Jacobean church
Visit the church, described by its official visitor page as London’s only Jacobean church, consecrated in 1631. Check the published opening periods before setting out.
Under 1 hour
Look for the Charles I figure
The supplied history article describes a small wooden figure of Charles I standing on an axe inside the church, a reference to his execution.
Book a guided tour
The church says its small-group tours last around an hour and include an object, artefact or hidden corner from its collection. Check availability and booking arrangements with the church.
Around 1 hour
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow under an hour; confirm visiting hours first.
A short City church visit
- 01
Check the church’s official visitor page and contact the church if making a special trip.
- 02
Visit during a listed opening period and explore the church at your own pace.
- 03
Look for the Charles I figure described in the supplied history article.
Half day · Around one hour for the tour.
A hosted church tour
- 01
Check the church’s official visitor page for monthly open tours or contact the church office about arranging a group tour.
- 02
Join the small-group guided tour, which the church says includes an object, artefact or hidden corner from its collection.
- 03
Allow additional time only if confirmed by the church; tour availability and arrangements should be checked in advance.
Verified history
The church’s official visitor page says a church has stood on the site since the twelfth century and describes the present building as London’s only Jacobean church, consecrated in 1631. A supplied history article says the site served the Augustinian Priory of Holy Trinity, that the church became a parish church in 1414, and that the current building was rebuilt between 1628 and 1630 under William Laud’s direction. It reports that Laud’s consecration service later became evidence in his 1644 trial, and that he was executed in 1645. The article also identifies a surviving tower added in 1504 and a wooden figure of Charles I standing on an axe.
Hidden details
The Charles I figure — A supplied history article describes a small wooden figure of Charles I standing on an axe inside the church, connecting the object to the king’s execution.
The garden has a separate entrance — The church’s visitor page says the garden is accessible from Mitre Street, not through the church.
When to go
· Visit during the church’s listed opening periods; contact it ahead of a special trip.
The supplied official visitor information gives opening days and hours rather than a seasonal visiting recommendation.
Check before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Notice the contrast between the church’s unassuming exterior and its interior
- 02
look for the small wooden figure of Charles I described in the supplied history article, standing on an axe. The church’s official visitor page also mentions occasional collection objects and hidden corners shown on guided tours.
The story
Sacred history; medieval priory; Jacobean architecture; Great Fire of London
Best time to go
Year-round, subject to visiting hours; confirm access before travelling.
Visit during the published opening periods, and contact the church beforehand if travelling specifically to see it.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Architecture lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30-10am, 12-1pm, 3:30-4pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9:30am-4pm
- Friday: 9:30am-4pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The church and garden are listed as open Tuesdays 8:30am–3pm, Thursdays 11am–3pm and Fridays 10am–3pm. The garden is accessed from Mitre Street, not through the church. Contact the church to confirm before making a special trip.
Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The supplied source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Confirm current access arrangements with the church.
Cost
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Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around The Guild Church of St Katharine Cree
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
