St Matthias Church, Hackney

St Matthias Church stands in Stoke Newington, a district in the London Borough of Hackney. It is a Grade-I listed Church of England parish church known for its High Church worship. The building was designed by William Butterfield and completed in 1853. A wealthy surgeon named Robert Brett substantially funded its construction. The church’s tall nave and striking saddleback crossing tower create a distinctive interior. Low pent aisles and octagonal piers add to its individual character. The church has a history of controversy. In the 19th century, its high church rituals led to protests and even mob violence. The vicar, Rev. Charles James Le Geyt, faced strong opposition for his ritualist practices. During the Second World War, bombing destroyed much of the interior, including stained glass and furniture. The church was rebuilt in 1954 under architect Nugent Cachemaille-Day. Today, it hosts performances by musicians. Inside, the church features a five-bay nave with low pent aisles and compound piers. The saddleback tower creates a tall chancel arch and half-arches at the east end. Window tracery follows a late Decorated style. Repairs funded by the parish and heritage organisations were ongoing in 2019. The building remains a notable example of 19th-century church architecture in London.