Nicholas Hawksmoor, protégé of Sir Christopher Wren, built six churches resulting from the 1711 Act of Parliament, which demanded 50 new churches in London. St. (...)
Nicholas Hawksmoor, protégé of Sir Christopher Wren, built six churches resulting from the 1711 Act of Parliament, which demanded 50 new churches in London. St. George’s Bloomsbury is his most idiosyncratic work, marrying baroque splendour with classical references, and topped by the most eccentric spire in London – an architectural gem and celebrated London landmark since its consecration in 1731, certainly one of the country’s most important churches.
By the end of 20th century the church was in an advanced state of disrepair with a thick, black, soot crust on the exterior masonry, water literally flowing into the building from defective drains, and many associated structural problems. It was also much altered from its original condition; the Victorians had relocated the reredos and altar, and a 1970s decorative scheme had all but obliterated the original treatment of the interior.
