The Actors' Church

I always like to stop at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden when I'm in London. It provides an oasis of calm and quiet in that frantic area of the city.  The building was designed in 1631 by Inigo Jones, a significant British architect known for bringing Italian Renaissance architecture to England.  This commission was part of a larger project to create "houses and buildings fitt for the habitacons of Gentlemen and men of ability". The rear entrance is pictured above. The front facade with its columns looks out over the square where street musicians perform.

The day we visited there was a dance class taking place on the altar. Having been raised Catholic I'm always a little bit taken aback by non-religious activity in a place of worship. When I was growing up we had to bow our heads (which had to be covered), genuflect and throw down a quick sign of the cross when passing the altar where Jesus lived in the tabernacle. It's refreshing to see these buildings being used for other things.
The theatrical connection began as early as 1663 with the establishment of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and by the opening of the Covent Garden Theatre in 1723. It is still `The Actors' Church,' the Actors' Church Union has its offices here, and the inner walls and the garden hold memorial plaques to famous personalities in the world of the performing arts. Here are a few:

A bench dedicated to John Thaw aka Inspector Morse

I've included this one because it is also the name of the
young lady (very much alive)who cares for Joyce
when we travel

Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward and many more are also honoured here.