St Anne and St Agnes

St Anne and St Agnes stands on Gresham Street in the City of London, close to the Barbican. The church occupies a site first recorded in 1137, when it was known as St Agnes near Alderychgate. Its double dedication to St Anne and St Agnes is unusual in the City and appears to have been adopted in the 15th century. The church was rebuilt after a fire in 1548 and again after the Great Fire of 1666. Sir Christopher Wren designed the present building in 1680, basing it on a Greek cross plan with a vaulted square within a square. The church is worth visiting for its architectural importance and layered history. Wren’s design draws on the Nieuwe Kerk in Haarlem and shares features with other Wren churches such as St Martin Ludgate and St Mary-at-Hill. During the Second World War, bombing on 29–30 December 1940 destroyed much of the interior, but it was rededicated in 1966 with help from Lutheran donors. The building now houses the VOCES8 Centre, home to an educational charity and vocal ensemble. Inside, visitors find a mix of restored fittings and items salvaged or copied from other war-damaged churches. The reconstructed interior reflects both pre-war features and contributions from the wider London church community. The church’s Grade I listing recognises its historical and architectural significance. Nearby, the Barbican’s modern towers contrast with the historic setting, creating a quiet space in the heart of the City.