About Us

St. Lawrence Jewry is so called because the original 12th Century church stood near the site of an ancient synagogue, this distinguishing it from the two other St. Lawrence churches in the City of London.

First built in 1136, St. Lawrence Jewry was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The new church was designed and rebuilt on the same site by Sir Christopher Wren, whose practice secured the commission to replace 51 of London’s churches. St. Lawrence Jewry was a fine example of Wren’s workmanship, alongside that of his sculptor and master carpenter contemporary, Grinling Gibbons.

The interiors were destroyed by a direct incendiary bomb in December 1940 during the World War Two bombing of London. The building was restored in 1957, faithful to Wren’s original design. Extensive building repairs and conservation works were undertaken and completed in 2023.

As the official church of the City of London Corporation, St. Lawrence Jewry seeks to be a beacon of Christ's light and peace in the midst of the bustling modern City.

Worship and prayer at St. Lawrence Jewry is rooted in the modern catholic tradition of the Church of England and draws together a variety of people from many walks of life, daily welcoming worshippers who live or work nearby, those needing space to reflect, and visitors to the City of London.

The church is open daily during the week, and all are welcome to attend our services or use of the Royal Marines’ Chapel for private quiet prayer.