At its exterior, St Mary’s has a distinctive rounded stone portico and round tower. The serene setting with a rich history boasts high ceilings, grand columns, and incredibly intricate architecture. Included on the list of many events organised at the unique church is Candlelight—candlelit performances offering new versions of recognisable hits, and the best of classical music.
Luckily, St Mary’s Church enjoys an enviable Central London location in Marylebone, with Paddington, Mayfair and Regent’s Park close by. So, finding your way to an intimate concert or attending Sunday service is no hassle at all with just a 5-minute walk from Marble Arch Tube station.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about St Mary’s
1. It’s a venue with a fantastic heritage
St Mary’s Church in London was built in 1824 as one of the Commissioners’ Churches. The Commissioners’ Churches included a number of churches established in the early 19th century to celebrate Britain’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
2. The building boasts some impressive features
Designed by Sir Robert Smirke, the same architect behind the design for the British Museum’s facadem St Mary’s features Greek Revival-style columns, large square windows, and more striking ornamentations. A major restoration project was completed in June 2002 without sacrificing the integrity of the church’s original Georgian architecture. The Great Hall inside the stunning Grade-I listed building is fitted with natural oak flooring and provides a grand setting for any occasion.
3. St Mary’s Community is always growing
Originally established to serve the community in Marylebone, St Mary’s Church began planting new churches shortly after reopening in 2002. Bound to one another by “friendship and shared values”, plants were created in Auckland (New Zealand), Exeter (England), and Jacksonville (Florida).
Candlelight concerts at St Mary’s Church
The Candlelight series has covered numerous music genres, and the upcoming concerts at St Mary’s Church are set to be no different. Audiences can expect to be dazzled by performances inspired by breathtaking pieces by the likes of Ludovico Einaudi, chart-topping hits by modern-day icons, and even an unforgettable concert guided by melodies from a popular game franchise, all whilst sitting surrounded by the glow of hundreds of flickering candles.
What else can you do at St Mary’s Church?
At the heart of St Mary’s core values is the mission to be a source of good in the community. Thanks to a strong connection with the Parish School, through the Love Marylebone Project which tries to meet the locals’ immediate needs, and by welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, St Mary’s Church has established a meeting place for all.
With this in mind, visitors can attend marriage courses, parenting courses, and discover other events such as the Social Supermarket—an opportunity for people in need to access food and hygiene products for a small fee. And of course, you can also attend Sunday services and early morning prayer.
The city of London is filled with countless breathtaking buildings with storied pasts, however, if you haven’t already visited this stunning church, you should definitely add a Candlelight concert or dropping in for a peak to your sightseeing checklist.