Reviews of St Clement Danes Church. (Church) in London (London).

St Clement Danes Church

371 Reviews

175 Comments

Church

Anglican church

Central Church of the Royal Air Force, Strand, London WC2R 1DH, United Kingdom

Go to the comments

Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of St Clement Danes Church, Church in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of St Clement Danes Church

Sunday

10:30am–12:30pm

Monday

10:30am–2:30pm

Tuesday

10:30am–2:30pm

Wednesday

10:30am–2:30pm

Thursday

10:30am–2:30pm

Friday

10:30am–2:30pm

Saturday

10:30am–2:30pm

Popular times

Sunday

10
11
12
13
14

Monday

10
11
12
13
14

Tuesday

10
11
12
13
14

Wednesday

10
11
12
13
14

Thursday

10
11
12
13
14

Friday

10
11
12
13
14

Saturday

10
11
12

Reviews of St Clement Danes Church

M. M.

Worth visiting if you're in the area. The Church is dedicated to the RAF with various memorabilia displayed inside to commerate those who have last their lives in service to their country. Very spacious inside with wide central aisle and deep pews. There is also a crypt you can visit. Free to enter, but donations welcomed.

I. h.

I'd had a walk down Ludgate Hill, Fleet Street and the Strand and arrived at the church which was unfortunately closed. Just as I was leaving at 10:30 the doors opened and I stepped inside. I was extremely lucky and fortunate to be met by two ladies connected with the church. We spent some time reminiscing and discussing various aspects of the RAF. One of the ladies then volunteered to give me a personal tour of the church and explained its history to me. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she provided me with a fascinating history of the church and its many artefacts. Her knowledge definitely added to my visit to the church and I was extremely grateful to her. Thank you very much.

B. d. L.

During our stroll in London we stumbled upon this church. Not only is it a beautiful church of the smaller segment (compared to the other cathedrals nearby), the church is filled with World War II history. Memorials and history of the RAF is included. The church offers tourist guides in several languages. Entry is free and I would recommend the church for history lovers that are already nearby, just a nice addition to your stroll!

St. Clement Danes is a beautiful little church in the Strand. The first church on the site was reputedly founded by the Danesin the 9th century. The current building was completed in 1682 by Sir Christopher Wren. Nowadays its dedicated as the main church for the Royal Air Force and there are a few statues of the most well known leaders of the RAF. Inside the church is richly decorated as befits a church dedicated to the fine men and women who risk their lives to serve our country. All around the church are memorabilia associated with the RAF as well as plenty of memorials to other air forces that served alongside the RAF such as the Polish and Americans. There's also a crypt which is open to the public with more memorabilia associated with the RAF.

St. Clement Danes is a nice church to visit on the Strand. It is a small Baroque style building with a long history and some interesting things to see both inside and outside the church building. St. Clement Danes church is also referred to as the Church of the Royal Air Force. Unfortunately, St. Clement Danes is located on an island in the middle of the Strand, with regular road traffic on both sides. This makes visits to the outside of the church a bit noisy. However, the building is large enough that the noise doesn't seem to bother that much once you are inside. The history of St. Clement Danes stretches back to the 9th century where tradition suggests that a church was built by Danes who had settled here. Some believe the Danes named the church after St. Clement, patron saint of mariners. There is later reference to the church in William of Normandy's Doomsday book (1086) and it is possible that the church was rebuilt at some stage during his reign as well as again during the middle ages when St. Clement Danes was under the care of the Knights of Templar. By the 17th century the church had fallen into disrepair. While it survived the Great Fire of 1666, it was demolished shortly after due to its poor condition and then rebuilt in the 1680s by Christopher Wren, who designed the new church in Baroque style. A steeple was added by James Gibbs in 1717, completing this beautiful church. Unfortunately, the church sustained heavy bombing damage, gutting its interior in 1941. During the 1950s, the Royal Air Force raised funds and had the church restored. This is how you can see St. Clement Danes today. Within the church, there is a nice wooden panel works behind the alter, a late 17th century organ in the back and attractive glass-stained windows throughout the nave. There is a downstairs crypt, which you can also visit if interested. The exterior of the church is attractive and it is worth having a look at the statues which surround the building. These include the large Gladstone statue and RAF's past wartime leaders Arthur Harris and Hugh Dowding found in front of the St. Clement Danes. Behind the church, you can see a monument to Dr. Samuel Johnson, who attended services here during the 18th century. Overall, we like St. Clement Danes Church. Its history is interesting, as are its interior and exterior designs and interesting statues and monuments found outside the church. It is definitely worth a stop if you enjoy church visits.

C. R.

Very famous Wren Church, the Central Church of the RAF on the Strand. Almost totally destroyed by German bombing. Pictures are Sir Archie McIndoe's chair, the history of the RAF and picture taken in the Nave towards the Altar. Squadron badges are inserted in the floor.

D. T.

I happened to visit this church whilst walking in London. It is the RAF church and is full of memorials. The inside of the church itself is stunning and very well maintained. Outside is the memorial to Bomber Harris. The does not appear to be an admission charge to enter which is appropriate for a church.

T. g.

I have walked past this so many times, and finally decided to have a look. I was not prepared for what was waiting for me inside. Not only is this a simply stunning church it is filled with history and memorials for the amazing men and women of the RAF. Do yourself a favour and give this incredible building a look.

G. A.

As a former RAF serviceman I visit this church whenever I am in London. It is a special place for me.

N. E.

George ORWELL- 1984 mentioned in the book. I wondered and looked. a very nice place. I hope to see the truth.

F. M.

Historical Church. It DESERVES to be visited for several reasons

M. P.

My first visit today, I wanted to have a look round, but instead was treated to a concert by the RAF musicians, playing a piece by Dvorak, so, I will have to make another visit for a look round, but I don't mind !

D. T.

The church is dedicated to the R.A.F. and there are plaques of different regiments inset in the floor and various plaques etc around the walls. Several books of remembrance as well. There is a statue of Marshall of the R.A.F Sir Arthur Harris outside.

P. N.

Lovely church, great concerts and amazing atmosphere!

D. J.

Beautiful building and a great acoustic. Good for concerts with a decent piano and organ. In a good location also.

M. B.

Glittering gold ceiling. A beautiful place where to calm your thought in an otherwise busy part of town

D. H.

A beautiful church, so tranquil with amazing acoustics. The verger was particularly accommodating and pointed to particular areas of interest for us as an American and British citizen couple. It was an emotional return to the church where I took part in a Royal School of Church Music service with choirs from different Royal Air Force stations in the mid 70s. Would recommend a visit to the church.

D. B.

Beautiful and very welcoming church with an extremely interesting history; they have many music & choral events, often featuring one of the RAF bands and the church's own choir - first class and well worth attending, thoroughly recommended. Almost completely destroyed during WWII, with just its shell and tower left standing, it was rebuilt over a decade later, though evidence of the bomb damage is still clearly visible on one of the outside corners, serving as a very physical reminder of the losses of so many recognised by the Remembrance Books inside the church, recording the names of airmen and ladies that lost their lives during conflict.

E. A.

I found this church when I was walking on my own for London. It seems to have a huge historical facts, for example, it was bombed in world war II. Inside is beautiful, well conserved and preserved. I couldn't take more photos, but as you can see for the other reviews and photos, that is a good place to discover on London.

D. K.

Nice church, with a beautiful history!

R. C.

What a tremendous venue to listen to a choir concert in! 😀

A beautifully staged church in the median. We didn't walk inside however, I strongly suggest you walk the outside perimeter of the church and find the pock marks from old war injuries to the edifice. It's moving to be able to touch the dimples caused by war decades ago.

D. L.

Wonderful oasis of calm in busy London. As this is the RAF church, we wanted to find the name of my wife's great uncle in their books of remembrance as he never returned from a mission during WW2. The lady in the office very kindly unlocked the cabinet and turned the pages of the book so we could see it.

m. j.

Lovely chapel. Nice quiet place amongst the busy streets of London. RAF pieces on display near the back if history is your thing.

j. b.

Extensively rebuilt with little original fabric remaining of Christopher Wren’s church destroyed by enemy action during ‘The Blitz.’ Serves as the principal RAF Church. A panoply of commemorative material, memorials, plaques, colours, remembrance books, etc dedicated to all wartime Airforce personnel allied to Great Britain 🇬🇧 Dignified, resolved and humbling.

R. B.

Destroyed by the Luftwaffe in WWII and restored in the 1950s this is the church of the RAF. Lots of interesting memorials and artefacts relating to RAF squadrons and individuals. Well worth visiting if you are passing by.

S. H.

A beautiful little church The Royal Air Force adopted it as their church Very central and of lucky you can get married here as a friend of mine did The bells play the nursery rhythm oranges and lemons Historic and worth a visit if passing

G. C.

This is the RAF church memorializing the many pilots and air crew who died during the wars. Right off Strand it is easy to get to and visit if you're already in the area.

A. C.

An oasis of RAF calm in a city of chaos, and full of RAF history. Was curious to find the plaques of RAF Wattisham and RAF Kai Tak almost next to each other - two places I have the strongest connections with.

C. M.

Fascinating RAF church dedicated to some very special people. Wren church originally but rebuilt after the war. Inspiring.

R. B.

"Oranges and lemons sings the bells of St. Clemens". I give this Christopher Wren reconstruction 5 stars primarily because it was where my 3rd great grandparents were married in the early 19th century. Sacred urban space for the clan.

R. F.

It's right by the Royal Courts of Justice so it's easy to find! It dates back to the 1600's. It is now the central church of the RAF and there are plenty of links to see with that in mind.

C. V.

Amazing remnants of WWII bombing on outside. Must have been terrifying to live through that. RAF rocks - thank-you for saving peace in our world.

N. R.

A millennium old church sometimes with Knight Temblors and now our RAF. Legacy with members like Donne and Johnson. There is a statue of Johnson behind it. Great place.

G. O.

We had a nice stroll round the area, and just as we got there the bells started ringing and it was "Oranges and Lemons"!! Who knew? Great to hear

K. K.

Very polite, knowledgeable staff

M. G.

A peaceful setting in central London with a connection to the Royal Air Force. It is named in an old rhyme about the churches of London

S. H.

Went to a friend's fathers memorial, amazing building remembering amazing people who fought for our freedoms.

S. H.

A beautiful little church The Royal Air Force adopted it as their church …

D. F.

Interesting RAF church with small museum display inside and WW2 bomb damage outside.

A. K.

Beautiful architecture and nice serene place in hubbub of London. It has a nice coffee place as well.

C. V.

Amazing remnants of WWII bombing on outside. Must have been terrifying to live through that. RAF rocks - thank-you for saving peace in our world.

A. S.

Really nice Church. Visited here for Leonard Cheshire Disability's - Carol's In The City (December 2018)

C. T.

A beautiful church with awesome interior. Takes you breathe away

C. P.

It was freaky up stairs ooh. But drinks were nice

G. V.

I love the bells there. My favourite so far.

P. P.

Stunning building, well looked after and a friendly feel - packed full of tradition

S. T.

Beautiful inside. A special place for this with links to to the RAF.

P. P.

Stunning building, well looked after and a friendly feel - packed full of tradition

C. T.

A beautiful church with awesome interior. Takes you breathe away

S. E.

Beautiful Architecture

C. W.

Lovely church. It's a Royal air force church.

J. T.

RAF church with a special plaque commemorating the Polish squadrons which flew with them in WWII.

V. F.

Beautiful my father is comemerated at this church .On rememberance sunday the bells play Abide with me.

P. M.

Quite, open place throughout the day. At the door you can pick up a brochure with the many events they have

S. v. W.

Lovely place to visit. The gentleman there was very informative. Thank you.

C. P.

It was freaky up stairs ooh. But drinks were nice

D. D.

Is there any mention/memorial of Radisson the French explorer and entrepreneur?

S. B.

Lovely church. You can smell the history

V. S.

Nice church which centrally located in Aldwych which holds various weddings and events

J. S.

Very moving experience for a VERY BRAVE PILOT. BoB. 249 Sqdn.

C. T.

Lovely quiet space on Strand. Ideal for military veterans.

G. R.

Well worth a visit, a church with a fascinating history.

S. B.

Sadly none of few left now a great place

J. F.

Beautiful church, excellent location for a concert

B. B.

Open daily to the public. Hidden gem. Make the time to check it out.

H. a. L.

The anchor is our emblem, it holds us in good stead

G. V.

I love the bells there. My favourite so far.

P. R. J.

Beautiful church, photographed a wedding here, fantastic

S. S.

Beautifully rebuild after it was destroyed in WOII

S. C.

The bells ring out the tune at 9am, noon, 3 pm and 6 pm daily.

A. C.

A nice forgotten place. Nobody is visiting.

M. S.

A lovely church. With a beautiful crypt.

D. W.

The church of The Royal Air Force

A. A.

Beautiful church and beautiful lunchtime concerts!

V. l. p.

Beautiful church, great atmosphere..

P. B.

Lovely church with great significance

C. C.

Enjoyed the free choral society concert

R. B.

RAF church, with its own history.

D. C.

Don't ask me, i was only eating my sarnie outside.

P. M.

Beautiful place

w. w.

Very beautiful

J. H.

Great venue for choirs

T. T.

Beautiful. It plays that song

A. W.

Church with lots of history of RAF

A. *.

Lovely and very interesting.

H. B.

Beautiful church!

C. I.

Beautiful church.

Y. A.

Meh. Okay. Too much water.

B. D.

Beautiful old church

p. j.

A little gem in the centre of London

A. H.

Inspirational...helpful staff

Well worth a visit.

D. M.

Good but dusty

D. M.

Beautiful place thought provoking

S. T.

Nice church.

D. H.

Stunning!

A. J.

Great architecture

t. r.

Lovely church

D. K.

Just beautiful!

H. M.

Interesting but Lifeless

J. L.

Scrapnel

L. C.

Beautiful church

N. A. B.

Beautiful

W. G.

Top

R. B. H.

A beautiful bulding

A. N.

Famous church

D. G.

Historic

R. G.

Stunning

G. D.

Absolutely Beautiful

G. P.

Gorgeous

A. H.

10/10 would go again

M. K.

Fantastic place

G. B.

Lovely place

D. K.

So inspiring

F. A.

Church

B. P.

Worth a look.

Š. i. M. B.

Beautiful.

A. S.

Wonderful.

D. N.

(Translated) The church is pleasant and the atmosphere is quite calm for the big and busy traffic around it. It shows a lot of military and naval aspects. Their candles are quite expensive compared to other churches. (Original) Църквата е приятна и обстановката е доста спокойна за голямото и натоварено движение около нея. Показва доста военни и военноморски аспекти. Свещите им са доста скъпи в сравнение с останалите църкви.

C. A. S. M.

(Translated) It has an interesting history and you can still see the ravages of the war on it as the impact of bullets. (Original) Tiene una historia interesante y aún se pueden ver los estragos de la guerra en ella como los impacto de balas.

S. P.

(Translated) A nice little church in the middle of a big city. In the church a lot of military motifs, we also find a plaque dedicated to Polish soldiers. (Original) Ładny mały kościółek w środku dużego miasta. W kościele bardzo dużo motywów militarnych, znajdziemy tu także tablicę poświęconą polskim żołnierzom.

K. K.

(Translated) Very nice. You can find things you have never seen in other places in a nice, cozy young environment. Close to the center of London. Very popular and always full of people walking, sip a tea and spend time in a wonderful place (Original) Molto bello .ci puoi trovare delle cose mai viste da altre parti in un ambiente giovane carino accogliente. Vicino al centro di Londra .frequentatissimo e sempre pieno di gente che passeggia sorseggia un te e passa del tempo in un posto meraviglioso

A. S.

(Translated) Nice Church near the Court of Justice. This point of the city divides what is known West of East London. It is worth making a stop to visit it. (Original) Bonita Iglesia cerca de la Corte de justicia. Este punto de la ciudad divide lo que se conoce el West del East London. Merece la pena hacer una parada para visitarla.

C. F.

(Translated) The current building was completed in 1682. It is the official church of the Royal Air Force. (Original) O edifício actual foi concluído no ano de 1682. É a igreja oficial da Royal Air Force.

J. C. A.

(Translated) It is the official church of the RACF if you are a connoisseur of British aviation you can lose 20 minutes otherwise we could say that it is a church in central London. (Original) Es la iglesia oficial de la RACF si eres un conocedor de la aviación británica puedes perder 20 minutos por lo demás podríamos decir que es una iglesia en el centro de Londres.

A. A.

(Translated) Exceptional museum about Wesley and the beginning of the Methodist movement. Very well maintained, to the last detail Tour with excellent explanations (Original) Excepcional museo sobre Wesley y el inicio del movimiento metodista. Muy bien cuidado, hasta el último detalle Tour con excelente explicaciones

s. o.

(Translated) the church (Original) Biserica

O. S.

(Translated) Small but very pretty church. As in all churches there is always something special and fascinating. (Original) Chiesa piccola ma graziosissima. Come in tutte le chiese c'è sempre qualcosa di particolare ed affascinante.

M. “.

(Translated) An atmospheric atmosphere. For fans of Inspector Barnaby also the environment is interesting. (Original) Eine Stimmungsvolle Atmosphäre. Für Fans von Inspektor Barnaby ist auch die Umgebung interessant.

M. K.

(Translated) RAF members' church (Original) Kostel příslušníků RAF

С. Е.

(Translated) I just took a picture nearby, a beautiful facade and a clean area (Original) Просто фоткалась рядом, красивый фасад и уходенная территория

l. l.

(Translated) Inside I do not know how it is, but the music of the bells I loved it. It has something special (Original) Por dentro no sé cómo es,pero la música de las campanas me encantó. Tiene algo especial

P. m. F.

(Translated) Evocative and spiritually welcoming ❗🌟 (Original) Suggestivo e spiritualmente accogliente ❗🌟

S. S.

(Translated) Beautiful church (and crypt) (Original) Très belle église (et crypte)

J. C. A.

(Translated) It is the official church of the RACF if you are a connoisseur of British aviation you can lose 20 minutes otherwise we could say that it is a church in central London. …

B. G.

(Translated) It was a very emotional experience for me .... This church is worth a visit !!! (Original) Es war für mich eine sehr emotionale Erfahrung.... Diese Kirche ist einen Besuch wert!!!

S. S.

(Translated) Beautiful church (and crypt) (Original) Très belle église (et crypte)