The story
The church was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and completed in the 1720s. It is one of six London churches he designed. In 1941, it was hit by a bomb and the interior was destroyed.
In the 1960s, a smaller modern church was built inside the shell, while the exterior was restored. The tower and walls remain as Hawksmoor designed them.
What to look for
- The tower and its unusual design.
- The modern church inside the old walls.
- St George's Gardens, next to the church.
Why it's worth seeking out
Hawksmoor's six London churches are among the most powerful buildings of the English Baroque, and St George in the East has one of the boldest exteriors, with its massive tower and unusual "pepper-pot" turrets. Seeing a modern church tucked inside the bombed shell is a striking reminder of the East End's wartime damage and post-war rebuilding. The surrounding gardens are a quiet green space in a busy area, and the church has strong links to the history of the docks and the communities that lived around them.
Combine it with
The Cable Street Mural, Wapping and Shadwell Basin are nearby.
Visiting tips
The church is often open for services and visits. Check before visiting.
Getting there
Shadwell station (London Overground and DLR) is a short walk. With Mason & Green, we can drop you on Cannon Street Road.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed St George in the East?
Nicholas Hawksmoor.
What happened in 1941?
The church was bombed and the interior destroyed.
Can you visit?
Yes, at certain times. Check before visiting.