St Clement Danes

St Clement Danes stands on the Strand in the City of Westminster, a short walk from the Royal Courts of Justice. The first church here was founded by Danes in the 9th century, though the present building was completed in 1682 by Sir Christopher Wren. Wren’s design used Portland stone and included a tower later topped by James Gibbs’s steeple in 1719. The church was gutted by bombing in 1941 but restored in 1958 to serve as the central church of the Royal Air Force. A tablet inside commemorates William Webb Ellis, often credited with inventing rugby football. The church is closely linked to the nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’. Its bells play the tune each day at 9 am, noon, 3 pm and 6 pm, a tradition interrupted only during the Second World War. The interior features galleries on three sides, Corinthian columns and a barrel-vaulted ceiling, with large windows lighting the upper level. Above the galleries, cross vaults allow extra light to enter the space. The restored Royal coat of arms bears an inscription recording the church’s destruction and rebirth. Visitors find a quiet sanctuary beside the Strand’s traffic. The galleries and columns give the interior a sense of space and order. The church’s RAF connections are evident in memorials and regular services honouring air force personnel. Special occasions include the annual clementine service in April, when oranges and lemons are given to children. The surrounding area offers views of the Royal Courts of Justice and the Strand’s historic thoroughfare.