St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, Holborn

St Sepulchre-without-Newgate is an Anglican parish church in Gothic style located in the City of London, offering a spacious interior with a coffered ceiling and colorful glass windows. The building rises beside the Holborn Viaduct and features a massive tower, along with bright aisles extending on either side of the nave.

A place of worship has stood on this site since the fifth century, with the current building reconstructed between 1667 and 1671 after the fire of 1666. During the Victorian era, the church received further alterations, including a new roof and a redesigned facade.

The building serves as the National Musicians Church, honoring composers and performers through memorials and plaques. Inside, visitors find busts, tablets, and musical memorabilia dedicated to figures such as John Ireland and Walter Alcock.

The church opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 PM to 2 PM and on Wednesdays from 11 AM to 3 PM, with accessible restrooms available. The main entrance on Giltspur Street provides the easiest access, and information boards inside help visitors orient themselves.

The tower bells once announced executions at nearby Newgate Prison and appear in several old nursery rhymes. A sexton would ring the death bell as condemned prisoners walked to the gallows, and this tradition left traces in folk culture.

Location: City of London

Inception: 15 century

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Address: St. Sepulchre without Newgate Church, Holborn Viaduct, EC1A 2DQ

Website: http://stsepulchres.org

GPS coordinates: 51.51669,-0.10235

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28