St Stephen's Church

St Stephen’s Church stands on Rochester Row in the City of Westminster. Built in the 19th century, it is a Grade II* listed building designed by Benjamin Ferrey. The foundation stone was laid in July 1847 and the church was consecrated in June 1850. Angela Burdett-Coutts, a well-known philanthropist, provided much of the funding for its construction. In 1950 the parish of St John’s, Smith Square, merged with St Stephen’s after bomb damage. In 2022 Prince William sold copies of The Big Issue outside the church on Rochester Row. The church is worth the journey for its fine architecture and history. Benjamin Ferrey’s design reflects the period’s craftsmanship and style. Burdett-Coutts’s support shows how private generosity shaped London’s churches. The merger with St John’s added layers of local history after the war. The organ, built in 1903 by James Jepson Binns, remains a notable feature inside. Inside, visitors find a spacious interior with the 1903 organ on display. The church’s fittings and windows reflect its 19th-century origins. The organ has two manuals and pedals, built by a respected Leeds maker. The building’s Grade II* listing recognises its special architectural interest. Outside, Rochester Row offers a quiet corner of Westminster near the church.