All Souls Church, Langham Place

All Souls Church, Langham Place is a conservative evangelical Anglican church in the City of Westminster, standing in Marylebone at the northern end of Regent Street. Designed by John Nash in the Regency style, it was consecrated in 1824 and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks on the route between Oxford Circus and Portland Place.

What makes All Souls Church special?

The building is best known for its unusual spire. A slender cone rises from a circular, columned portico, and the spire is ringed by Corinthian columns with concave sides. This was a clever solution to a design problem: Nash needed a feature that would turn the corner where Regent Street bends towards Portland Place, and the church acts as a visual pivot at that point. Not everyone was convinced at the time. The design drew sharp criticism from contemporaries, and one reviewer in 1828 dismissed it in very harsh terms. Today the church is Grade I listed, which places it among the most important historic buildings in England.

Why was it built?

All Souls was one of four so-called "Waterloo" churches planned for the parish of St Marylebone. These were funded with the help of a grant from the Church Building Commission, as part of a national programme to build new Anglican churches in rapidly growing districts. The programme's name recalls the victory over Napoleon in 1815. The church was meant to serve the expanding population of the area around the new Regent Street, which Nash was laying out as part of his grand plan for London's West End.

What is it like today?

All Souls is still a working church with an active congregation. It is known as a centre of conservative evangelical Anglicanism in central London, and services take place regularly throughout the week. Visitors are welcome to admire the exterior at any time. If you want to see the interior, check the church's own website for opening times and service schedules, because access can depend on events.

How to find it

The church stands on Langham Place, just north of Oxford Circus and directly opposite Broadcasting House, the headquarters of the BBC. The church sits at the point where Regent Street meets Portland Place, so it is easy to reach on foot from the shopping streets of the West End. Oxford Circus station is a short walk away, and Great Portland Street and Regent's Park are also close by. The spire is visible from far down Regent Street, which makes it simple to spot.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed All Souls Church? The architect was John Nash, who was also responsible for much of Regent Street and for the layout of the surrounding area. He worked in the Regency style.

When was it consecrated? The church was consecrated in 1824.

Is All Souls Church worth visiting for its architecture? Yes. The spire and circular portico are among Nash's most distinctive designs, and the building is Grade I listed. Even a short stop on a walk along Regent Street is rewarding.

Is it still an active church? Yes. It is a conservative evangelical Anglican church with regular services. Check the official website before planning an interior visit.

Where is it located? In Langham Place, Marylebone, in the City of Westminster, at the north end of Regent Street.