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Cameo Snaphots of the City of London 9. St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Edith Cavell Memorial and Covent Garden
The 'simple and practical' interior of the 'Baroque' church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, in one corner of Trafalgar Square (see page 5), completed in 1726 to the design of the architect James Gibbs. It is the venue for many evening and lunchtime musical concerts, particularly the baroque orchestras of London.
The 'Cafe in the Crypt' of St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Just up from the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields is the memorial to Edith Cavell (1865-1915) at the junction of St Martin's Lane and Charing Cross Road. 'Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone' Edith Cavell was a British World War I nurse who helped hundred's of Allied soldiers escape from German occupied Belgium. After capture by the Germans, she made no qualms about admitting her actions and was executed at dawn by firing squad on Oct 12th 1915. Her execution caused outrage in the press world-wide and her martyrdom was used by the British for propaganda purposes.
North-east of Trafalgar Square is Covent Garden, full of shops and stalls of every description. Musicians often perform in the lower space where there are cafe tables and chairs and street performers of every variety in the environs.
Near Covent Garden, (left) and interesting design of a connecting bridge between two blocks, (right) a modern high-rise block (Centre Point?) contrasts with the spire of one of Christopher Wren's Baroque churches.
docspics images pictures © Phil Brown |
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