St. Clement Danes

St. Clement Danes. It is an iconic Church of England parish church located on the Strand in the City of Westminster. Rebuilt by the renowned architect Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, it is famed for its elegant English Baroque architecture and its unique role as the central church of the Royal Air Force. The church is dedicated to Clement of Rome and its name is traditionally linked to a historical Danish community in the area.

History

The origins are shrouded in legend, with tradition holding that a church was established here in the 9th century by Danish settlers expelled from the City of London by Alfred the Great. The first definitive record dates to the late 11th century, noting it as a stone church built by William the Conqueror's standard-bearer. The medieval structure was severely damaged during the English Civil War and was ultimately destroyed in the Great Fire of London of 1666. The present church was constructed to a design by Christopher Wren between 1680 and 1682, with the distinctive tower completed by James Gibbs in 1719. It suffered catastrophic damage from German bombing during the Blitz in 1941, leaving only the outer walls and Gibbs's tower standing. A major restoration, led by architect Anthony Lloyd, was undertaken after the war and the church was reconsecrated in 1958.

Architecture

The structure is a fine example of Christopher Wren's post-fire church designs, executed in a restrained English Baroque style. It is built of Portland stone and features a simple rectangular nave with a vaulted ceiling. The magnificent west tower, added by James Gibbs, is a landmark with its ornate gilt weathervane. The interior was beautifully reconstructed after World War II, incorporating many features dedicated to the Royal Air Force. Notable elements include the central aisle paved with slate from Wales and marble from the Battle of Britain campaign countries, and the intricate Royal Air Force badges set into the floor. The magnificent organ case is a survivor from the pre-war building, restored after the bombing.

Royal Air Force association

In 1958, the church was officially designated the central church of the Royal Air Force by Queen Elizabeth II. This role is commemorated throughout the interior, with over 800 squadron and unit badges carved in Welsh slate on the floor. The Battle of Britain Chapel contains a stained glass window depicting the Virgin Mary surrounded by aircraft from the battle, and the RAF's Book of Remembrance is displayed. Annual memorial services are held, including a significant one for the Battle of Britain, attended by senior RAF officers and often members of the British Royal Family.

Literary and cultural references

The church is immortalized in the English nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons," which references the bells of several City of London churches with the line "Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clement's." This connection is celebrated with an annual citrus-themed service. The church is mentioned in literature by Charles Dickens in his novel *The Pickwick Papers*. Its bells and distinctive spire have made it a recognizable feature in numerous depictions of London, including in film and television.

Rectors and notable clergy

The parish has been served by many distinguished clerics. A notable early rector was William Webb Ellis, who, according to tradition, invented the game of rugby football while a pupil at Rugby School. In the 20th century, a prominent rector was William Pennington-Bickford, who served during the inter-war period and the bombing. The church also had a notable connection to the preacher John Donne, who, though never rector here, was a nearby resident as Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. The post-war restoration and establishment of the RAF connection were overseen by then-rector John Collins.