St Benet Paul's Wharf

St Benet Paul’s Wharf stands beside the Thames in the City of London. A Welsh Anglican church, it has served the College of Arms since 1556 and still holds services in Welsh. The present building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire, is one of four City churches to survive the Second World War intact. Its dark red brick walls and Portland stone corners mark it out from other Wren churches. A small lead dome tops the north-west tower, giving the exterior a quiet dignity. The church is worth the journey for its long history and its role in heraldry. Officers of arms have been buried here for centuries, including several Garter Kings of Arms. The interior still contains original furnishings by Grinling Gibbons, such as the altar table, reredos and pulpit. A memorial to Inigo Jones recalls the architect buried in the earlier church on this site. The north gallery, once used by the Doctors’ Commons, now belongs to the College of Arms. Inside, the almost square nave has a flat ceiling rather than the usual Wren dome. Corinthian columns support the galleries, and the lectern and font remain from the 17th century. A medallion bust of Sir Robert Wyseman marks a generous benefactor. The church’s Welsh heritage continues with regular services in the language, while English translations are provided for visitors.