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St. Martin-in-the-Fields Frommer's Highly Recommended

Hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8:45am-7:30pm as long as no service is taking place. Concerts Mon, Tues, and Fri 1:05pm; Tues and Thurs-Sat 7:30pm
Location Trafalgar Sq., WC2
Transportation Tube: Charing Cross
Phone 020/7766-1100
Web site www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Frommer's Review

Designed by James Gibbs, a disciple of Christopher Wren, and completed in 1726, this classical church stands at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, opposite the National Gallery. Its spire, added in 1824, towers 56m (184 ft.) higher than Nelson's Column, which also rises on the square. The steeple became the model for many churches in colonial America. Since the first year of World War I (1914), the homeless have sought "soup and shelter" at St. Martin, a tradition that continues.

At one time, the crypt held the remains of Charles II (he's in Westminster Abbey now), who was christened here, giving St. Martin a claim as a royal parish church. His mistress, Nell Gwynne, and the highwayman Jack Sheppard are both interred here. The floors of the crypt are actually gravestones, and the walls date from the 1500s. The little restaurant, Café in the Crypt, is still called "Field's" by its devotees. Also in the crypt is The London Brass Rubbing Centre (tel. 020/7930-9306), with 88 exact copies of bronze portraits ready for use. Paper, rubbing materials, and instructions on how to begin are furnished, and there's classical music for you to enjoy as you proceed. Fees to make the rubbings range from £3 to £15 ($5.70-$29) the latter price for the largest -- a life-size Crusader knight. There's also a gift shop with brass-rubbing kits for children, budget-priced ready-made rubbings, Celtic jewelry, miniature brasses, and model knights. The center is open Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sunday noon to 7pm.

Insider's Tip: In the back of the church is a crafts market. Also, lunchtime and evening concerts are staged Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 1:05pm, and Tuesday, and Thursday to Saturday at 7:30pm. Lunch concerts are free, but evening tickets cost £6 to £22 ($11-$42).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's London 2008 Frommer's London 2008

Author: Darwin Porter
Pub Date: September 04, 2007
Price: $17.99

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Home > Destinations > Europe > England > London > Attractions > St. Martin-in-the-Fields