religious
Sir George Gilbert Scott, 1851
St Matthew's Church, 20 Great Peter St, SW1P 2BU
St Matthew's is an inclusive church with unique architecture, remarkable history, and a very strong musical tradition, but in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, is often overlooked making it a real hidden gem. Come and learn about St Matthew's history and community, hear our choir and historic organ, and learn about how we continue centuries of prayer in this holy place.
Westminster
Victoria
11, 88
10:30–18:00
St Matthew's is a little known church with a rich history. Opened in 1851 in what Charles Dickens referred to as 'the Devil's Acre', it was at the forefront of both the Anglo-Catholic revival in the Church of England, and that movement's outreach to the poorest urban communities in Victorian London. Since then, St Matthew's has been a diverse church where people from across historic class divides have worshipped together.
The Victorian church was gutted by arson in the 1970s and reopened for worship in 1984. Thus today St Matthew's has unique architecture - the shell of Sir Gilbert Scott's neo-Gothic church combined with modern design. Much of our furnishings are original, such as the grand reredos or the altar which contains a relic of St Matthew himself. Of particular interest is the original Lady Chapel which was designed by famed architect Sir Ninian Comper and which miraculously survived the fire. This houses what Comper claims was the first 'English style' altar since the Reformation, complete with 'riddel posts' at each corner.
Today St Matthew's continues true to its original mission of being a church for all people, no matter your background. We are a diverse and genuinely welcoming community whose hallmarks are dialogue, hospitality, and worship. We are part of the Liberal Catholic tradition and a member of Inclusive Church. Our worship is characterised by the rich music tradition we foster here, supported by our historic Mander organ and our excellent choir.
Drop in
community/cultural, military
A Grade 2 listed former Territorial Army Drill Hall featuring restored elements of the original 1882 design. It has a triple height central hall with the restored wrought iron balconies and roofing. Notable Neo-Georgian design brickwork. It is also unique in being the last ever military drill hall built in the UK.
Oliver Hill RIBA, 1952
