I love classical music! And whenever I hear a piece introduced which includes the words “St Martin in the Fields”, I am immediately transported to London, England. St Martin in the Fields is a church and famous for its contribution to the world of classical music lovers. This landmark church in London has been holding free concerts since the end of the Second World War.
St Martin in the Fields stands next to the English National Gallery and overlooks Trafalgar Square, with fountain and pond, huge lion statues and iconic Nelson’s Column. It offers a wonderful spot to relax, sit a while, visit and, if you pick the time correctly, a musical treat. The church is in fact, famous for its music. The acoustics are special and to listen to a live performance or even a rehearsal during the noon time lunch hour, is definitely worth working into your London itinerary. When the concert is over, wander downstairs into the church crypt to the Café for a tasty sandwich or soup in the ancient underground of this London landmark. It’s a good place to get warm and filled – physically and spiritually. Both fascination and satisfaction together. There are not many places you can get that at the same time!
I read somewhere that the reason that the famous façade of the St Martin in the Fields is so familiar to American visitors is that it is repeated hundreds of times over in churches this side of the Atlantic. The huge portico held by Corinthian pillars, the wide flight of stairs leading up to it and the soaring white steeple piercing the sky above the church and figuratively pointing the way to God. A comforting, beloved sight while at the same time awe inspiring and dominating. A church has been on this site in London since the 13th Century and this particular building of such pleasing architectural proportions was designed by James Gibb and completed in 1726. It predates the Square itself. It remains a bustling, working church to this day.
A 10 minute walk from the Charing Cross tube station and standing quietly overlooking Trafalgar Square, St Martin in the Fields is the place to aim for at lunch time on your next London trip. You don’t need to book, just turn up and enjoy. You won’t regret it.
