St. Margaret's Church

A Church of National Significance

Nestled in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret's Church has served as the parish church of the House of Commons since 1614. This beautiful medieval church, often overlooked by visitors focused on its famous neighbour, has witnessed some of the most significant moments in British religious and political history.

As part of the Westminster World Heritage Site, St. Margaret's stands as a testament to 900 years of Christian worship in the heart of British government.

Origins and History

The first church on this site was built by Benedictine monks around 1100 AD, intended for local people who were not permitted to worship in the Abbey itself. The current building dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, built during the reign of Henry VII.

In 1614, the House of Commons chose St. Margaret's as their official place of worship, preferring its more intimate atmosphere to the grandeur of the Abbey. This relationship continues today, with services held for Parliament and MPs married and memorialised here.

Famous Weddings

St. Margaret's has long been a fashionable venue for society weddings. Winston Churchill married Clementine Hozier here in 1908, beginning one of the great partnerships of British history. Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, was baptized at St. Margaret's in 1633.

Other notable figures associated with the church include Sir Walter Raleigh, who was buried here after his execution in 1618, though his head was reportedly taken by his widow.

The East Window

The church's most treasured feature is its magnificent East Window, a masterpiece of Flemish stained glass dating from around 1509. Originally commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain to commemorate the marriage of their daughter Catherine of Aragon to Prince Arthur, it was later purchased for St. Margaret's after Catherine's marriage to Henry VIII ended in divorce.

The window depicts the Crucifixion with saints and donors, and its survival through the Reformation, Civil War, and World War II is considered miraculous.

Other Notable Features

• Milton Memorial Window: Commemorating the poet John Milton, who lived in Westminster
• Raleigh Memorial: Marking the burial place of Sir Walter Raleigh
• Caxton Window: Honouring William Caxton, who set up his printing press nearby
• Victorian Restoration: Fine examples of 19th-century church craftsmanship

A Living Church

Unlike Westminster Abbey, which functions primarily as a tourist attraction and royal chapel, St. Margaret's remains an active parish church. Regular services are held throughout the week, and the church continues to serve the local community as well as the Houses of Parliament.

"St. Margaret's is the MPs' church—a place where politicians of all parties can worship together, setting aside the conflicts of the chamber."