All Saints Margaret Street | Introduction

Introduction

All Saints Margaret Street is a Victorian church in Fitzrovia, near Oxford Street, London. It is regarded as one of the foremost examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture in Britain.

It was designed in 1850 by William Butterfield, an architect strongly associated with Gothic revival church building and the Oxford Movement. Completed in 1859, the red brick church was built around a small courtyard with an adjoining vicarage and a choir school.

The interior is noted for its rich decoration and beautiful fittings – a true “hidden gem” in the streets of central London.

Sir John Betjeman, the poet, writer and enthusiastic advocate of heritage and architecture said of All Saints:
“It was here, in the 1850s, that the revolution in architecture began…It led the way, All Saints Margaret Street, in church building.”

Today the church enjoys Grade 1 listed building status. The church is a living house of prayer and is cherished by all who worship here for its sacred atmosphere and magnificent heritage.

In January 2014 All Saints Margaret Street was chosen by Simon Thurley, head of English Heritage, as one of the ten buildings that have changed the face of Britain.

We invite you to explore some of the points of interest of our church by browsing through the information on these pages. If you have any questions about our heritage, please contact the parish office for more information.