St Mark's Church

St Mark's Church is a church building in Sydenham, Belfast, featuring a cruciform structure with a bell tower. The tower houses ten bells installed in 1955 that are used for change ringing, a traditional bell-ringing practice.

Construction of the church began in May 1876 under architect William Butterfield and was consecrated in August 1878. The building underwent major restoration work in 1976 to preserve its architectural features and received Grade A listed status in recognition of its historical importance.

The church holds deep personal meaning for C.S. Lewis, who was baptized here and later donated a window with his brother Warren to honor their parents. This connection draws visitors interested in the author's early life and faith.

The church is located in a residential neighborhood of Belfast that is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should plan to arrive during service times or open visiting hours to see the interior and appreciate the bell tower from outside.

A door knocker at the rectory, built in 1887, is said to have inspired the creation of Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. This literary connection adds an extra layer of interest for visitors familiar with the author's famous works.

Location: Northern Ireland

Architects: William Butterfield

GPS coordinates: 54.60300,-5.87472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06