Holy Trinity, Sloane Square

146 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9BZ

Holy Trinity Sloane Square (or The Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity with Saint Jude, Upper Chelsea, to give its proper title) was dubbed the "Cathedral of the Arts and Crafts Movement" by the Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. It is one of the few churches in the British Isles that can be regarded as what the Germans describe as a 'gesamtkunstwerk' - a total work of art.   

The first church on the site was a Gothic construction of 1828–30 designed by James Savage, built in brick with stone dressings.  This was demolished barely 60 years after it was built and replaced by the building that stands on the site today between 1888-90.  Designed by the renowned architect, John Dando Sedding, and paid for by the 5th Earl Cadogan, the church contains a wealth of stained glass, sculpture and highly wrought metalwork by many of the finest artists and craftsmen of the time.

The church was badly damaged by bombs in World War II but was restored more or less to its previous appearance by the early 1960s.    A concerted attempt by the church authorities to close and demolish the building, replacing it with something smaller, was thwarted by a campaign led by Sir John Betjeman and the Victorian Society.    The church has established a strong connection with the world of the fine arts and also in the sponsorship and encouragement of artists and musicians.

How to get to the venue

The nearest Underground stations are Sloane Square (District & Circle Lines), which is very close, and Knightbridge (Piccadilly Line) at the other end of Sloane Street (about 10-12 min walk).   Bus stops nearby include services C1, 19, 22, 137, 211, 360 & 452.   Street parking is very limited in this area.  NCP operates an underground car park in Cadogan Place but it is quite expensive.   There is another NCP car park in Semley Place - a 10-12 min walk away.