Southwark Cathedral, London, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Southwark Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral of the Southwark diocese, standing beside London Bridge on the south bank of the Thames in London. People have worshipped on this spot for at least a thousand years, and the church is often described as the oldest Gothic church in the city. It is also one of the best places in London to meet Shakespeare's world.

The story behind it

Much of the building dates from the 13th century, though the site is far older. In the 16th century it was the parish church of St Saviour, and it only became a cathedral in 1905, when the Southwark diocese was created. Its history has dark chapters too. Under Mary I, six heresy trials were held inside the church. The first, in 1555, ended with John Rogers sentenced to burn at the stake, and he became the first of the Marian martyrs.

The church was also the parish church for the theatre district that grew up around it. Actors and playwrights of Shakespeare's day worshipped here, and the names of some of his colleagues appear in the parish register. In 1607 Shakespeare's younger brother Edmund, an actor who died aged just 27, was buried in the church in an unmarked grave. A memorial was added later. The same year, John Harvard, who gave his name to Harvard University, was baptised here, and a chapel in the cathedral now honours him.

What to look for

• The Shakespeare memorial window, designed in 1954, shows characters from his plays alongside famous quotations.
• Below the window sits a sculpture of Shakespeare himself, a good spot to pause and take in the scene above.
• The memorial to Edmund Shakespeare marks the burial of the playwright's brother, whose grave itself has no marker.
• The Harvard Chapel recalls the baptism of John Harvard here in 1607 and links this corner of London to Massachusetts.

Tips for your visit

• Allow around 30 to 45 minutes to look around inside, a little longer if you like reading memorials.
• Check current opening hours and any service times before you go, as parts of the church can be closed during worship.
• The cathedral is steps from London Bridge, Borough Market and the riverside, so it fits easily into a longer walk along the Thames.
• Going earlier in the day usually means a quieter interior and better light for the stained glass.

See it on a quest

Southwark Pirates: Adventure Walking Tour & Escape Game in London brings you to the cathedral on foot as one stop on a longer route through Southwark. The app tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle in what is in front of you. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.

Shakespeare’s London: The Secret Society suits anyone drawn here by the playwright. You reach the cathedral as part of a walk through the area, hear its story at the spot and solve a puzzle on location. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.