St Matthew's, Westminster

St Matthew's is a Gothic Revival church building in Westminster featuring pointed arch windows, ribbed vaults, and intricate stained glass designed by W.E. Tower throughout its spacious interior. The windows fill the space with coloured light and showcase the craftsmanship of the period's glasswork.

Architect George Gilbert Scott built the structure between 1849 and 1851 to handle overflow from nearby St John the Evangelist Church in Smith Square. A fire in 1977 destroyed much of it, though the Lady Chapel survived and restored stained glass figures were later reintegrated into new settings.

Fourteen Stations of the Cross sculptures by Joseph Cribb are spread throughout the interior, creating spaces where visitors naturally pause for prayer and reflection. These works shape how people move through and use the church.

The building is open daily with regular services including morning and evening prayers plus midday mass on weekdays for the active congregation. Visitors should respect service times when planning a visit, as access may be limited during worship.

The Lady Chapel was spared from the devastating 1977 fire and became the foundation for the church's reconstruction, turning it into a symbol of resilience. Visitors can see today how original stained glass figures were carefully reintegrated into the restored architecture.