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About this place
St Anne's Limehouse is an Anglican church in Limehouse, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and consecrated in 1730, it is one of the baroque landmarks of East London, recognisable from a distance by its tall tower.
What is St Anne's Limehouse?
The church was built under the 1711 Act of Parliament, which called for new churches to serve London's growing population. Fifty were planned, but only around a dozen were ever completed. St Anne's is one of Hawksmoor's six great churches in East London and is regarded as his first solo design. It is listed Grade I, the highest level of heritage protection in England.
Why look up at the tower?
The tower is the church's signature feature. It was reportedly first designed for a rebuilt St Alfege in Greenwich, but as a cost-saving measure the old tower there was kept and the design went to Limehouse instead. For years it served as a navigation landmark for ships heading up the Thames towards the Port of London. It also carries the highest church clock in London.
The White Ensign flies from the tower. Tradition holds that Queen Anne granted the privilege because the church stood close to the river and was a convenient place for sea captains to register events at sea.
What is the pyramid in the churchyard?
A large stone pyramid stands in the churchyard, inscribed "The Wisdom of Solomon". Its origin is not firmly established. One suggestion links it to Hawksmoor's earlier idea for towers at the east end of the church.
Fire and restoration
On Good Friday 1850 a fire gutted the church and destroyed its contents, including the bells. Only the walls and the tower survived. The architects John Morris and Philip Hardwick carried out the rebuilding. A further major restoration was completed in 1981.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed St Anne's Limehouse? Nicholas Hawksmoor, a baroque architect who trained under Christopher Wren.
When was the church consecrated? In 1730.
Is it a working church? Yes, it is an Anglican church.
What stands out most about its appearance? The tall clock tower and the pyramid in the churchyard.
Is the building protected? Yes, it is Grade I listed, the highest grade in England.
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