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Home > St Martin-in-the-Fields


 


St Martin-in-the-Fields is a Church of England church just northeast off Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London.

The earliest reference to the church is recorded in 1222, with a dispute between the Abbot of Westminster and the Bishop of London as to who had control over it. It was decided in favour of Westminster, and used by the monks of Westminster Abbey. The church was rebuilt by Henry VIII in 1542. At this time, it was literally "in the fields" in an isolated position between the cities of Westminster and London.

The church survived the Great Fire of London due to its isolated position, but was replaced with a new building, designed by James Gibbs in 1721. The design was criticised widely at the time but subsequently became extremely famous, being copied particularly widely in the United States. The church is essentially rectangular, with a great pediment in the Classical style supported by a row of huge Corinthian columnsThe Corinthian order is one of the Classical orders of Greek and Roman architecture, although it was seldom used in Greek architecture. The other two orders were the Doric and the Ionic. When classical architecture was revived, two more orders were added. The high steeple is topped with a gilt crown.

The church has a close relationship with the Royal Family - King George IGeorge I (George Ludwig von Guelph-d'Este) ( 28 May 1660 11 June 1727) was Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg (Hanover) from 23 January 1698, and King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 1 August 1714, until his death. He was also the Archbannerbearer (afte was a churchwarden and Queen MaryQueen Mary Victoria Mary of Teck ( 26 May, 1867 24 March, 1953) was the Queen consort of George V of the United Kingdom. Queen Mary was also the Empress of India and Queen of Ireland. Prior to her accession, she was also Princess of Wales, Duchess of Corn attended regularly - and with the AdmiraltyFor the international law of the sea, see Admiralty law. For the area of Hong Kong, see Admiralty, Hong Kong Whitehall, London, Thomas Ripley, architect, 1723-26, was not admired by his contemporaries and earned him some scathing couplets from Alexander P, which falls within its parish. The White Ensign of the Royal NavyThe Royal Navy is the navy of the United Kingdom. It operates a number of aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, fifteen nuclear submarines, and various other ships, as well as aircraft and Britain's amphibious forces, the Royal Marines. The Royal Navy hangs above the altar, accompanied by the flag of the Admiralty Board, and the church's bells are traditionally rung to proclaim a naval victory.

A number of notables are buried in the church, including Robert BoyleThe Honourable Robert Boyle ( January 25, 1627 December 30, 1691) was an Irish natural philosopher, noted for his work in physics and chemistry. Early years He was born at Lismore Castle, in the province of Munster, Ireland, as the seventh son and fourtee, Nell GwynneNell Gwyn (or Gwynn or Gwynne , ( February 1650 14 November 1687), the most famous of the many mistresses of King Charles II, was called "pretty, witty Nell" by Samuel Pepys. The daughter of Thomas Gywnne and his wife Rose, Nell Gwyn was probably born in, William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Jack Sheppard and Thomas Chippendale.

In the present day, St Martin-in-the-Fields is well known for its "open door" policy under which the church is open to the public at all times of the day and night, its work for the homeless, and its occasional free lunchtime concerts. Its orchestra and choir are world-famous.

There is a café in the Crypt; it also houses the London Brass Rubbing Centre.



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