St Bride's The World Famous 'journalists' Church Guided Tours

St Bride's welcomes visitors any time the church is open. Guided tours conducted by trained members of the congregation lasting 90 minutes are available on a regular basis. Come and discover the history and secrets of St Bride's, the world famous 'Journalists' Church'.

As you enter St. Bride's Church from Fleet Street, you are immediately aware of two things: firstly, that this is a building of great beauty and tranquillity and, secondly, that this is a place steeped in history.

"I wonder if you would pass on my thanks to our guide for the tour of St Brides yesterday afternoon? Her presentation and breadth of knowledge was fantastic, both my brother and I enjoyed it immensely" - Ian

"It was an excellent tour of St Brides, and my thanks to the two enthusiastic and charming ladies" - Stephen

When you enter this church, you are walking in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, princes of the Church, leaders of State and famous men and women of literature and history.

The printed word spread learning and knowledge from its precincts; the arts flourished around it; little of importance that has happened in English history has not had an echo in St. Bride's.

In this church there is evidence of a Roman burial to the Christian rite; a Celtic-Romano settlement and a well; the marks left by the Saxons and Normans. Here King John held his parliament and Wynkyn de Worde brought his printing press in 1500. St Bride's was Henry VIII's parish church and the Book of Common Prayer was first used here. Samuel Pepys was baptised at St Bride's and Benjamin Franklin designed a lightning conductor for our unique "Wedding Cake" steeple. The current church is the eighth on the site and one of Wren's finest achievements.

Our trained guides are all members of the congregation and will give you a personal insight into the church and its history as one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in London. This includes a visit to the extensive exhibition in our crypt which was only discovered after the church was bombed and revealed another thousand years of history.

Tours are held on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 3.00pm and lasting until 4.30pm and cost £6 per person.

Special tours for groups can also be arranged by emailing Claire Seaton at info@stbrides.com or completing the contact form or telephoning (+44) 20 7427 0133.