The Church of St. George in the East (London)

 church, place with historical importance

Built in 1714-29 to the designs of Nicholas Hawksmoor. It was built under Queen Anne's "50 New Churches Act" as part of the partitioning of the ancient parish of Stepney, which had become far more densely inhabited during the previous century. The building was opposed by Brasenose College, Oxford, which had the right to appoint the parish priest of Stepney and feared its nominees might suffer a reduction in their personal income. The effect of the college's policy would have been to deny access to church services and basic social care provision to thousands of poor in this overcrowded parish.
In 1886 the churchyard was landscaped as a public garden. The interior of the church was severely damaged by incendiaries in May 1941, a temporary building served the parish until being rebuilt in 1960. The new church occupies only part of the original building and there is also some residential accommodation in the building.
This is one of the greatest architectural features of the East End and its steeple is a landmark for many miles, particularly in South East London.
Stands to the south of what used to be called Bluegate Fields, one of the worst slums of the Victorian era.

www.stgite.org.uk/