London’s historic St Mary le Strand church has secured £4.6 million in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, marking a major step forward in plans to restore and reopen one of the capital’s most important religious landmarks.
The funding forms part of a wider £7.4 million investment awarded to four historic churches and former churches across the UK, aimed at protecting heritage buildings, supporting community use, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Major Boost for the “Jewel in the Strand” Project
The grant supports the long-running “Jewel in the Strand” project, which focuses on restoring and redeveloping the 18th-century Grade I listed building and its surrounding gardens. Once completed, the project will help transform St Mary le Strand into a welcoming and accessible space for the public.
Located in the heart of London, near theatres, galleries, and restaurants, the church sits within a newly pedestrianised area that attracts millions of visitors each year. The funding will allow the church to open its doors to more people and become a central part of Westminster’s growing cultural district.
Creating Accessible Community Spaces
A key aim of the project is to make St Mary le Strand more accessible and inclusive. The redevelopment will provide new spaces for local communities, volunteers, students, and visitors of all backgrounds and faiths.
The project will also create opportunities for young people to learn new skills, take part in volunteering, and engage with the building’s future use.
Celebrating 300 Years of History
St Mary le Strand’s 300-year history will play a central role in the restoration plans. Alongside repairing and preserving the building, the project will explore the stories of people connected to the church over the centuries.
This includes:
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Research into individuals buried in the church’s crypt
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Exploring its role as the official church of the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services
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Highlighting the historic processional route linking Westminster and the City of London
These activities aim to bring the church’s heritage to life for modern audiences.
Reactions to the Funding Award
Canon Peter Babington, Priest in Charge of St Mary le Strand, welcomed the news, saying the grant would help secure the church’s future for generations.
He described the funding as vital in restoring the building’s role as the “Jewel in the Strand” and ensuring it remains open and welcoming to the public.
Ruth Duston OBE, Chief Executive of London Heritage Quarter, also praised the decision, noting that St Mary le Strand is a much-loved landmark within the Northbank district.
She said the investment would strengthen the cultural life of the area for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Wider Vision
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted the importance of places of worship in the UK’s shared heritage.
She explained that the funding allows historic churches to rethink how they serve communities, especially during times when people are seeking spaces for connection, learning, and reflection.
According to the Fund, the grants will help protect heritage buildings while ensuring they remain active, relevant, and open to future generations.
Other Churches Receiving Funding
Alongside St Mary le Strand, funding has also been awarded to:
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St Mary Magdalene, Stockland Bristol, Somerset
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St John the Baptist Church, Nash, South Shropshire
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St Monans Auld Kirk, Fife
Each project focuses on restoring historic buildings and expanding their role as community and cultural spaces.
A Positive Step for Heritage and Communities
The funding marks an important moment for St Mary le Strand and other historic churches across the UK. By combining restoration, education, and community use, the projects aim to ensure that these buildings continue to serve the public well into the future.
As work progresses, St Mary le Strand is expected to become not just a restored landmark, but a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of London.
