Facilities and features
Accessibility
There are two toilets in the church, one of which is designed for disabled access
We have an easily navigated ramp and once inside the the Church everything is on one level.
Large print bibles and Prayer Books are available
We are a dog friendly church
We have a disabled ramp and then once inside the building it is all on one level.
Our Building
Following the devastation of the Great Fire of London the current St James Garlickhythe was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Known as 'Wren's Lantern' because of the beauty of the natural light that floods into the church, it was opened in September 1682 and the tower was completed in 1717. The building survived the Blitz, so has many original features (including a wig peg in the pulpit!). It has the highest ceiling of any of Wren's churches, but is also small enough to retain a feeling of intimacy and prayerfulness.
Music and Worship
St James is the proud home to the Royal Jubilee Bells which were commissioned from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry to celebrate HRH the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The bells were processed down the River Thames in a specially adapted barge as the central feature of the Queen's River Pageant.
There are eight bells, each named after a member of the Royal Family. They are rung regularly and we are delighted to welcome visiting bell ringers.
St James Garlickhythe regularly hosts concerts. Capacity is 220, we have a PA system and a grand piano.
If you are interested in holding an event please contact the Administrator at [email protected]
The organ was installed in 1718 by Johann Knoppell and is believed to have been originally built by Bernhard Schmidt, known as 'Father Smith. In 2007 it was restored to its original glory by Mander Organs.
Our Director of Music is Sir Andrew Parmley.
Our main act of worship is at 10.30am on Sunday and is celebrated according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. We normally have professional choirs at all our Sunday services. Following the service refreshments will be served.
Matins (7.30am) and Evensong (5.15pm) are sung every day Monday to Thursday, using the traditional chants from The Manual of Plainsong. Join in, or just sit back and pray!
St James has a long and proud history of musical excellence and we are privileged to have a number of visiting choirs: the St James Choir, Stellae Cantores, The Thames Chamber Choir, and the English Chamber choir. They sing in the English choral tradition.
Groups, Courses and Activities
Help for Visitors
The church is open on weekdays from Tuesday to Friday. Generally from 11am - 3pm.
The church is open every Sunday morning from 9am -1pm
Please check the website, or email [email protected] for more details.
Other Features
There are two well appointed meeting rooms available for hire. Both rooms are light and airy, have WiFi, video conferencing facilities, small kitchen areas and private access. The Parish Room accommodates 16 people sat at a board table and has The Old Vestry accommodates up to 25 people sat conference style.
The church is also available for hire for filming, conferences and concerts.
Please contact the parish administrator for further details: [email protected]