Amidst the iconic skyline of Westminster, where the grand edifices of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey dominate the eye, there lies a hidden gem that often escapes the notice of passersby. This is St Margaret‘s Church, a place of worship steeped in history, art, and a quiet, unassuming beauty that belies its significance in the story of London and the nation. Join us as we delve into the fascinating past and present of this remarkable church.
A Church Born from Necessity
The story of St Margaret‘s begins in the 12th century, when the Benedictine monks of Westminster Abbey found themselves increasingly distracted from their devotions by the growing crowds of lay worshippers who came to attend Mass. In a bid to find a quieter, more contemplative space for their prayers, they established a smaller, separate church within the abbey grounds, dedicating it to Saint Margaret of Antioch, a 3rd-century martyr.
The original church was built in the Romanesque style, but by the late 15th century, it had fallen into disrepair. Between 1486 and 1523, under the patronage of King Henry VII, the church was almost entirely rebuilt in the Tudor Gothic style that we see today. Architectural historian John Harvey notes that St Margaret‘s is "the last church in London to be rebuilt in the medieval tradition before the Reformation." The church‘s design, with its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large windows, marks the transition from the medieval Gothic to the lighter, more ornate style of the Tudor period.
A Sanctuary for the Commons
One of the most fascinating aspects of St Margaret‘s history is its long association with the British Parliament. Since 1614, when the Puritans in the House of Commons began using it for their worship services, St Margaret‘s has served as the de facto "parish church of the House of Commons."
Over the centuries, Members of Parliament have gathered here for services to mark significant occasions, both joyful and solemn. Perhaps most famously, on May 13, 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill brought the Commons to St Margaret‘s for a service of thanksgiving to mark the end of World War II in Europe. As Churchill recalled in his memoirs, "I and my colleagues of the War Cabinet walked across from the House to attend the service… The church was crowded in every part and the sun streamed through the windows as the organ pealed out the National Anthem."
Windows into the Past
For many visitors, the highlight of St Margaret‘s is its stunning collection of stained glass windows, which span the centuries from the Tudor era to the modern day. The most famous of these is the great East Window, installed in 1509 to commemorate the marriage of King Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon. This magnificent work, measuring 26 feet high and 13 feet wide, depicts the crucifixion of Christ surrounded by scenes from the life of Saint Margaret.
Other notable windows include the Caxton Window, dedicated to William Caxton, the father of English printing, who is buried in the church, and the RAF Window, which honors the sacrifices of RAF personnel in World War II. Together, these windows form a dazzling patchwork of color and light, each one telling a story from the annals of British history.
Memorials to the Mighty and Fallen
The walls of St Margaret‘s are lined with an array of memorial tablets, plaques, and monuments, each one a testament to a life lived and lost. Among the most notable figures commemorated here are:
- Sir Walter Raleigh (1554-1618), the famed Elizabethan explorer and courtier, who was executed on the orders of King James I and buried here in secret at night.
- William Caxton (c. 1422-1491), who set up England‘s first printing press and revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge. His memorial, designed by the renowned sculptor Grinling Gibbons, depicts Caxton holding a printing press.
- Admiral Robert Blake (1599-1657), one of the greatest naval commanders in British history, whose memorial bears the inscription: "He was a man wholly devoted to his Country, resolute in his undertakings and most faithful in the performance of them."
These memorials, along with countless others, offer a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of lives that have intersected with St Margaret‘s over the centuries.
Moments of Historical Significance
St Margaret‘s has been the setting for many pivotal moments in British history. In 1759, Olaudah Equiano, a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist and writer, was baptized in the church‘s font. This event marked a crucial turning point in Equiano‘s life, as he went on to become one of the most influential voices in the early anti-slavery movement.
The church has also been the chosen venue for numerous high-profile weddings over the years. In 1655, the famous diarist Samuel Pepys married Elizabeth de St Michel here, while the poet John Milton wed his third wife, Elizabeth Mynshull, at St Margaret‘s in 1663. More recently, Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Harold Macmillan both exchanged vows at the church.
St Margaret‘s in the 21st Century
Today, St Margaret‘s continues to serve as an active place of worship, offering regular services and a quiet space for reflection amidst the bustle of Westminster. The church welcomes thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its rich history, stunning architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
According to church records, St Margaret‘s hosts over 200 events annually, from regular services to special commemorations and concerts. In 2019, the church welcomed over 150,000 visitors from around the world.
For those wishing to explore the church in greater depth, guided tours are available by appointment. These tours, led by knowledgeable guides, offer a fascinating insight into the church‘s art, architecture, and role in the nation‘s story.
St Margaret‘s also plays an active role in the local community, hosting educational events, charity fundraisers, and outreach programs. As Rev. Jane Sinclair, the current Rector of St Margaret‘s, notes: "While we are proud of our history, we are also very much a living, active church, engaged with the needs and concerns of our community and our world."
A Living Testament to London‘s History
Nestled in the shadow of its more famous neighbors, St Margaret‘s Church is a true hidden treasure of Westminster. Its story is woven into the very fabric of London‘s history, from the days of the Benedictine monks to the present-day deliberations of Parliament.
To visit St Margaret‘s is to step into a living testament to the art, faith, and history that have shaped this great city over the centuries. Whether you come to admire the stunning stained glass, to pay respects at the memorials of the great and the fallen, or simply to find a moment of peace and reflection, St Margaret‘s offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
As the British historian and politician Lord Macaulay once wrote: "The history of England is emphatically the history of progress." At St Margaret‘s Church, that progress is etched in stone, glass, and memory, a enduring reminder of the nation‘s journey through the ages.
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 12th Century |
| Architectural Style | Tudor Gothic |
| Notable Burials | William Caxton, Sir Walter Raleigh |
| Height of East Window | 26 feet |
| Width of East Window | 13 feet |
| Annual Visitors (2019) | 150,000+ |
| Annual Events | 200+ |
