A Guide to Londons most Beautiful Gothic Interiors
Churches provide us with an insight into England’s cultural heritage and here in London we can see these places of historical importance within just a short walk from the city centre. These churches are some of the most under appreciated feats of architectural grandeur that London has to offer.
Here we detail some of the most beautiful Gothic architecture to be found in the city.
Temple Church
The Temple Church was constructed in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1185 and served as headquarters to the Knights Templar, a crusade of soldier monks. The church is renowned for its round shape and its effigy tombs. Despite suffering substantial damage during the Second World War the churches restoration has bought the church back to its former beauty.
The church holds regular choral music performances and featured in the popular novel and film, The Da Vinci Code.
St Pauls Cathedral
St Pauls Cathedral sits at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. With its dome and distinctive spires St Paul’s is one of the most recognisable sights in London. At 365ft high, it was the tallest building in London until 1962 meaning that its profile dominated London’s skyline for over half a century.
Along with Temple Church, St Paul’s has had substantial restoration work done thanks to a major rebuild program which took place after the Great Fire of London.
Westminster Abbey
Every year the Abbey welcomes over one million visitors who want to explore the wonderful 700 year old building and thousands more come to worship. The architectural style is considered the finest example of early English Gothic
Besides from the royal graves, keep an eye out for many commoner’s burials, especially in the Poets’ Corner where you’ll find Chaucer, Dickens, and Hardy among others.
