St Peter's, London Docks

St Peter's is a Grade I listed church building in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, built in 1865 based on designs by F. H. Pownall. The structure displays Victorian-era architecture with a layout typical of mid-19th century Anglican buildings.

The building was founded in 1856 by Reverend Charles Lowder and became active in supporting the community during the cholera outbreak that struck London's East End. This early role in caring for the sick and poor helped establish the church's place in the neighborhood.

The church emerged from the working-class community that lived around the docks and served as a gathering place for dock workers and their families. Its presence in this crowded neighborhood shows how it was woven into daily life rather than set apart.

The building sits on Wapping Lane at postcode E1W 2RW and is adjacent to a Church of England primary school, making it straightforward to locate. Visitors should expect narrow surrounding streets and easy access from the nearby docks area.

The hymn tune 'Jerusalem my happy home' was composed by Thomas Worsley Staniforth specifically for the laying of this building's foundation stone. This musical connection is a rare example of how a place was honored through a composition created just for that moment.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Inception: 19 century

Architects: F. H. Pownall

Website: http://stpeterslondondocks.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.50620,-0.05816

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41