St James the Less, Pimlico

St James the Less is a Gothic Revival church in Pimlico built from red brick with black brick details and an Italian-style tower. The building features cast-iron railings topped with wrought-iron lily ornaments, making its architectural presence clear throughout the neighborhood.

George Edmund Street designed the church in 1858 as his inaugural major London commission, funded by three daughters of the Bishop of Gloucester. The building thus represents a moment when Gothic Revival architecture was at the height of its popularity for new churches.

The interior displays red and yellow glazed tiles alongside granite columns that lead toward a sanctuary dressed with mosaics and marble. This arrangement creates a sense of movement through the space that emphasizes the sacred character of the building for visitors today.

The space opens for private prayer from 9 AM to 2 PM on weekdays, with regular services including Holy Communion and Midday Prayer available to visitors. It is wise to check specific times in advance, as schedules may shift depending on the season or special occasions.

The tower incorporates an uncommon spire design with a central spike surrounded by four smaller spirelets, setting it apart from typical English church architecture of the period. This distinctive arrangement gives the building a memorable outline that differs from the familiar patterns seen in many contemporary churches.

Location: City of Westminster

Inception: 1859

Architects: George Edmund Street

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: https://sjtl.org

GPS coordinates: 51.49070,-0.13530

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04