St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Description:

• 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; www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/visiting/brass.html), 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 start at £4.50 ($9). There's also a gift shop with brass-rubbing kits for children, 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. See the "West End Attractions" map.

  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 £24 ($12-$48).

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010