St George in the East, London, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

St George in the East is a church in London's East End, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built between 1714 and 1729. It is one of six London churches by Hawksmoor, and its heavy Portland stone tower and corner turrets still dominate the streets around Cannon Street Road.

The story behind it

The church was built in the early 18th century, when Parliament funded new churches for London's fast-growing outer parishes. Hawksmoor gave this one a bold, almost fortress-like profile, with a massive tower and the four turrets that people often call pepper pots.

In 1859 the church became the stage for the Ritual Riots. The rector had introduced changes to the style of worship, and many in the parish objected. Services were disrupted for months by heckling and rival singing, and the unrest became a national talking point. In the Second World War the interior was destroyed by bombing. A new, smaller church was later built inside the surviving walls, which is why the outside and inside belong to different centuries.

What to look for

• The four turrets at the corners, which give the building its distinctive silhouette against the East End sky.
• The weight and plainness of the stonework, typical of Hawksmoor's dramatic, almost severe style.
• The contrast between the old stone shell and the modern church built within it, which tells the story of the wartime damage.
• The open grounds around the church, which give you room to step back and take in the full height of the tower.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the outside and take in the architecture, longer if you can go in.
• Check current opening hours and access before you go, as the church is not always open to visitors.
• Soft side light in the morning or late afternoon brings out the texture of the stone.
• Wapping, Shadwell and the old dock streets are a short walk away, so the church works well as part of a longer wander through the area.

See it on a quest

The best way to appreciate this church is as one stop in a wider walk through the East End. Historical London: The Docklands of East End passes the church on foot, with the app telling you about each place as you arrive and setting a puzzle based on what is in front of you. It suits anyone curious about the area's dockland past, and one ticket covers the whole group.