On Saturday morning we found ourselves slightly hungover and on the way for dim sum in Chinatown, when we walked past Ely Place in Holborn. I’ve walked past it many times and have also had drinks in Ye Olde Mitre which sits in the middle of it, but I never realised there is a chapel a bit further down.
We went to have a look at the outside of the building, not expecting that we could get in to see the inside, but the sign on the door said the building was open.
Inside we found a magical small chapel, with two of the most amazing stained glass windows I’ve ever seen. The windows were so powerful and dominating because of the size of the church. St Etheldreda’s is a tiny, beautiful Roman Catholic church, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and is the oldest Catholic church in England. It was built in 1290 and formed part of the grounds of Ely Palace, the Bishop of Ely’s London residence.
More about the history of St Etheldreda’s can be found on their own website, especially about the stunning windows, which were replaced in the 1950’s, after the church was hit during the Second World War. The thing that amazed me so much was the fact this building was here – had been here for over 800 years – in a place I’ve worked for about 15 – and I didn’t even know it existed.
As well as the beautiful church itself, we had a nose around in the crypt, which is used as a venue for parties. I found out later that the catering for the venue is done by one of my favourite Farringdon restaurants, The Bleeding Heart Tavern. If I were planning a party I would definitely want to host it here. Looking at their website it looks fantastic when it’s all fully laid out.
I love those moments when you are wondering around London, on your way to somewhere else, and you stumble upon a hidden gem. It’s not often I take time to look around me, but it’s pretty much always worth it when you do.
