St Margaret's Church - Sightseeing, Places of Worship

St Margaret's Church

Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3JX
Tel: +44 (0)20 7654 4840

St Margaret's Church was built by the monks of Westminster to serve the needs of the local people. Westminster Abbey next door was reserved for special purposes, such as the coronations of Kings and Queens.

The first St Margaret's was built in 1150. The present one, consecrated in 1523, is the third church to stand on the site. It was only just saved from demolition by local residents when Lord Protector Somerset tried to knock it down so he could reuse the stone for his new Palace, Somerset House.

Among the many well-known historic figures that worshipped there were Geoffrey Chaucer, Samuel Pepys and William Caxton. Caxton, the founder of British printing, is buried in the church. He set up a printing press near the Chapter House in Westminster Abbey.

St Margaret's Church is known as the Parish Church of the House of Commons, a tradition started in 1614 when members of Parliament first came en masse to celebrate Holy Communion. The tradition has continued to this day and over the years the church has seen many notable events such as the wedding of Sir Winston Churchill.

Among the many famous people buried in the church is Sir Walter Raleigh, who was executed in 1618.

Opening Times
Monday - Friday 09:30 - 15:45
Saturday 09:30 - 13:45
Sunday 14:00 - 16:30

Nearest Underground (Tube) Stations: St James's Park and minster