St Margaret’s church at Stratton Strawless , Norfolk By Northmetpit – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Amazing Facts about St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster


 

Known both as ‘the church on Parliament Square’ and ‘the parish church of the House of Commons’, St Margaret’s is a 12th-century Anglican church situated next to Westminster Abbey. It forms part of a single UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey.

Have you ever wondered about the church next to Westminster Abbey? Since 1614 St Margaret’s Church has been the parish church of the House of Commons; somewhat overshadowed by the Abbey and often overlooked by visitors to London. With free entry, a number of fascinating memorials, a stained glass window with quite a history, and some lovely Tudor features, this is a must; especially for those who enjoy exploring churches and their histories.

1. Decorated in the Catholic tradition

St Margaret’s, Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom By Ermell – Wikimedia Commons

It has been described as ‘the last church in London decorated in the Catholic tradition before the Reformation.’ On each side of a large rood, richly painted statues of St John and St Mary stood there and the building contained several internal chapels.

2. It was built in the latter part of the 11th century

St Margaret’s Church By Sumit Surai – Wikimedia Commons

Saint Margaret’s Church is dedicated to Margaret of Antioch, also known as Margaret the Virgin. She was considered as a martyr, and is celebrated as a saint by the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches on July 20; and on July 17 in the Orthodox Church. Originally founded in the twelfth century by Benedictine monks, St Margaret’s was rebuilt from 1486 to 1523.

”’It became the parish church of the Palace of Westminster in 1614, when the Puritans of the seventeenth century, unhappy with the highly liturgical Abbey, chose to hold Parliamentary services in the more “suitable” St Margaret’s: a practice that has continued since that time.

3. It was made a parish church for the Palace of Westminster

In 1614, St Margaret’s became the parish church of the Palace of Westminster, when the Puritans of the seventeenth century, unhappy with the highly liturgical Abbey, chose to hold their Parliamentary services in a church they found more suitable: a practice that continued since that time.

4. It has Commemorative windows

Notable windows include the east window of 1509 of Flemish stained glass, created to commemorate the betrothal of Catherine of Aragon to Henry VIII. This has had a chequered history. It was given by Henry VII to Waltham Abbey in Essex, and at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the last Abbot sent it to a private chapel at New Hall, Essex.

That came into the possession of Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire, the father of Anne Boleyn, then Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, next George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, after him Oliver Cromwell, from whom it reverted to the second Duke of Buckingham, next General Monk, Duke of Albemarle, and after him John Olmius, then Mr Conyers of Copt Hall, Essex, whose son sold the window to the parish of St Margaret’s in 1758, for four hundred guineas. The money came from a grant of £4,000 which parliament had made to the parish that year for the renovation of the church and the rebuilding of the chancel.

5. A place where weddings take place

St Margaret’s church and curtilage in sunshine By BrutusGreen – Wikimedia Commons

As well as marrying its own parishioners, the church has long been a popular venue for society weddings, as Members of Parliament, peers, and officers of the House of Lords and House of Commons can choose to be married in it. Notable weddings include Edmund Waller and Anne Banks which took place on 5 July 1631.

Anne was an heiress and a ward of the Court of Aldermen, they got married at the church in defiance of orders of the Court and the Privy Council of England. Waller had previously carried the bride off and been forced to return her. On a complaint being made to the Star Chamber, Waller was pardoned by King Charles I.

6. Has hosted many baptisms 

The church has held several baptism ceremonies. The earliest examples include, Charles Weston baptized in the year 1639 who was the 3rd Earl of Portland and Barbara Villiers who was christened in the church in the month of November 1640. 

7. It has Hosted burials

With its long history, St Margaret’s church has certainly held many burials. The notable burials known to have been held here are; William Caxton in 1491, Nicholas Ludford in 1557, John Sheppard who was a composer in 1558 and Thomas Churchyard who was an Elizabethan poet, a soldier and a courtier in 1604. These are just a few examples among the long list of burials that have been held and took place in St. Margaret’s Church.                                         

8. Choirs

The choirs in St Margaret’s Church are mostly in treble. The choristers usually come from Westminster Under School. The church also hosted the first performance by the UK Parliament Choir under Simon Over in 2000.

9. Has held notable events

There have been some fascinating and intriguing events that have taken place in St. Margaret’s Church. Take, for example, William Flower who was a Protestant Ex-Benedictine monk during the reign of Mary I. In 1555 on the day of Easter, he inflicted wounds to the person administering sacraments. He repented for the injuries caused but not for his motives. With his motives considered a rejection and denial of the doctrine of transubstantiation, it got him sentenced for heresy. A week later he got severed of his hand and burned at the stake outside the church.

Another notable event took place during the First World War. The headmaster of Eton, Edward Lyttelton, gave a church sermon with the theme of “loving your enemies”. This promoted the view that any post-war treaty with Germany should be just and not vindictive. He had to escape the church through a backdoor. A number of demonstrations formed up and sang “Rule Britannia!” protesting against his attitude.

10. It has a grand Organ

In the year 1806, John Avery installed an organ. The current organ has been largely built by J. W. Walker and Sons Ltd. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

These were 10 amazing facts about St. Margaret’s church.

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