St Martin’s is a Grade I listed church designed by Sir Christopher Wren after its predecessor burnt down during the Great Fire of London in 1666.  The present church has international heritage significance due to the way the thin spire was built to interact with the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.  Among its internal features are fine 17th century panelling and carvings on the internal doorcases, the pews are original although the backs were cut down in the 19th century.

The church has considerable needs, some of which if not addressed in the next three to five years will threaten its continuing work.  Our vision is to offer St Martin’s as a Gateway to the City for workers, visitors and school children, and above all as a Gateway to the City of God.  At the heart of the vision lies the aspiration to be a Gateway to learning for children and visitors coming to learn about heritage, history and music; for workers to learn ways to enter City life, and for all to learn of the call of God to enter His gates with praise.

It is proposed to phase the works into 4 phases:

Welcome and Work

We are planning improvement work to the entrance from Ludgate Hill to draw people into the church. The Vestry, which also doubles as the parish office, will be improved to provide a proper working space.

Rewiring and Redecoration

The 17th century plaster coving has cracked in places, and the original Wren ceiling needs to be restored before anything falls. The church needs rewiring which will necessitate redecorating. The 17th century woodwork by collaborators of Grinling Gibbons (whose yard was just around the corner), also needs attention.

Heating and Hospitality

The boiler has only five years left in it and must be replaced. This gives us the opportunity to install a more environmentally friendly system. The toilets, kitchen and gallery offices need some refurbishment and redecoration. The church crypt has the potential to be developed into an education welcome centre which will mean that we will have the exciting opportunity to expand our school visits and other activities.

Bellows and Bells

The organ bellows are wheezing, and the instrument needs a thorough restoration. St Martin’s is on London’s processional route and there is an exciting opportunity to hang bells in the tower once more. 

As the project gets underway and we move through the various phases, check back here to hear about our progress.