St Luke’s & Christ Church and Gardens Location Guide

St Luke’s & Christ Church and Gardens is a historical and architectural marvel situated in Chelsea in London. Declared sacred on St Luke’s Day, 18th October 1824, this church was built to accommodate the increasing population, replacing the original parish church known as Chelsea Old Church.

In 1818 the decision was made to build St Luke’s & Christ Church and the original foundation stone was laid on October 12th 1820. The Church was built under the watchful eye of Reverend Gerald Valerian Wellesley DD who was the Rector and brother of the Duke of Wellington.

Even though the exterior is often described as Gothic, the interior was designed following an 18th century preaching house, complete with a towering pulpit. In the late 19th century the interior underwent alterations more closely matched to the present day configuration. Architect James Savage, an expert on medieval architecture, designed St Luke’s & Christ Church, making it one of the first Neo-Gothic churches in London. The detail is impressive in its bath stone structure, bearing a resemblance to King’s College Chapel in Cambridge.

Noteworthy historical events are woven into the fabric of St Luke’s & Christ Church. Charles Dickens, the literary giant, married Catherine Hogarth there on 2nd April 1836, just two days after the initial publication of the Pickwick Papers.

The church houses a remarkable organ, crafted by John Compton in 1932, incorporating elements from the original 1824 organ. Serving as a prototype for organs at Broadcasting House and Downside Abbey, this instrument has a storied history, having been played by Thomas Attwood, Organist to the Queen at St Paul’s Cathedral, during the church’s consecration.

There are two large sculptures representing Adam and Eve at the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, found on either side of the high altar. Additionally, there is a ring of ten bells in the tower, which were cast at Whitechapel during the church’s construction. They continue to be rung regularly, adding a melodic touch to the historical ambiance of St Luke’s & Christ Church and its serene gardens.

When you’ve finished visiting St Luke’s & Christ Church and Gardens, drop into our French restaurant on Brompton Road For a relaxing experience featuring some delicious food and wine, only a short walk away.