9a. LONDON St Martin-in-the-Fields Church

The Edith Cavell Memorial

Cameo Snaphots of the City of London

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St Martin-in-the-Fields from across the road where the statue of George Washington stands

There was a medieval church of St Martin-in-the-Field, but this was demolished and replaced by the current handsome building, constructed to a Neoclassical design by James Gibbs between 1722–1724.

The church of St Martin-in-the-Fields from the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

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 elaborate ceiling decoration of St Martin-in-the-Fields church

Whilst visiting this historic church we came across a small Baroque orchestra and soloist violin practicing the 'Four Seasons' by Vivaldi's. St Martin-in-the-Field hosts many early music and classical concerts throughout the year. Behind is the new east window designed by Shirazeh Houshiary and Pip Horne.

The altar and east window of St martin-in-the-Fields

Left: One of the 'mosaic paintings' to the left of the altar

Right: The sculpture of St Martin giving his cloak to a beggar.

 

The sculpture to remember the "Victims of Injustice and Violence" by Chaim Stephenson

 

Monument to Henry Croft, original Pearly King, in St Martin's crypt. He died in 1930 at the age of 68.

Right: A typical memorial moument from ?

 

The 'Cafe in the Crypt' of St Martin-in-the-Fields, now something of an art gallery too!

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.

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