WHITEHALL AND WESTMINSTER - London - page 77

ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS
Duncannon St Charing Cross 020 7766 1100, www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org . Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri
8.30am-1pm & 2-6pm, Wed 8.30am-1.15pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 3.30-5pm.Free. MAP
Something of a blueprint for eighteenth-century churches across the empire, St Martin-in-
the-Fields is fronted by a magnificent Corinthian portico and topped by an elaborate tower
and steeple. Designed by James Gibbs and completed in 1726, the barrel-vaulted interior
features ornate, sparkling white Italian plasterwork and is best appreciated while listening to
one of the church's free lunchtime concerts (Mon, Tues & Fri) or ticketed, candle-lit even-
ing performances. Down in the large crypt - accessible via an entrance north of the church
- there's a licensed café , shop, gallery and brass-rubbing centre (Mon-Wed 10am-6pm,
Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11.30am-5pm).