St John's Smith Square
A Baroque Masterpiece
St John's Smith Square represents one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture in London. Designed by Thomas Archer and built between 1713 and 1728, the church was one of fifty new churches commissioned under the Fifty New Churches Act of 1711, intended to serve the growing population of London's expanding suburbs.
The "Footstool" Church
The building's distinctive design features four corner towers, leading to its famous nickname. According to legend, when Queen Anne was asked what the new church should look like, she kicked over her footstool and said "Like that!" Whether true or not, Charles Dickens immortalized this story, and the church's unusual silhouette has made it one of Westminster's most recognizable landmarks.
Architectural Features
Archer's design shows the influence of his studies in Rome, particularly the work of Borromini and Bernini. The four massive corner towers, the broken pediments, and the dramatic use of curves give the building a theatrical quality typical of Continental Baroque. The church is built of Portland stone, and its bold, sculptural forms create a striking presence in the intimate scale of Smith Square.
A Troubled History
The church has endured numerous challenges throughout its history. In 1742, the tower at the southwest corner was damaged by fire and had to be rebuilt. The building suffered from structural problems throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, requiring extensive repairs. Most devastatingly, the church was gutted by incendiary bombs during the Blitz in 1941, leaving only the outer walls standing.
Resurrection as a Concert Hall
After decades as a ruin, St John's was carefully restored between 1965 and 1969 and reopened not as a church but as a concert hall. The acoustic qualities of the restored interior proved exceptional, and the venue quickly established itself as one of London's premier locations for classical music performances.
Musical Excellence
Today, St John's Smith Square hosts over 300 concerts each year, ranging from solo recitals to full orchestral performances. The venue is particularly renowned for its lunchtime concert series, which offers accessible classical music to busy Londoners. The BBC regularly broadcasts concerts from St John's, and many acclaimed recordings have been made within its walls.
The Crypt Restaurant
The atmospheric brick-vaulted crypt beneath the concert hall houses a popular restaurant, offering pre-concert dining in a unique historical setting. The crypt's intimate spaces provide a striking contrast to the grandeur of the hall above.
Visiting Today
While primarily a concert venue, St John's Smith Square welcomes visitors during the day to admire its architectural splendor. Concert-goers can experience the exceptional acoustics while enjoying world-class musical performances in this magnificent Baroque setting.
Opening Hours
Building Access: Open during concerts and events (check website for schedule)
Lunchtime Concerts: Typically 13:05 - 14:00 (check schedule)
Evening Concerts: Various times (check website)
Crypt Restaurant: Open during concert times
Free entry to view the building when no events are scheduled. Concert tickets required for performances.