St Mary-at-Finchley Church

St Mary-at-Finchley is a stone church in Finchley with a square bell tower, Gothic windows with tracery, and wooden beams supporting the interior ceiling structure. The building combines these architectural elements into a compact, functional interior space that emphasizes both vertical and horizontal lines.

The north wall and tower date from the time of King Henry VII and incorporate architectural elements from the Norman period. After damage during the London Blitz of 1940, the building underwent reconstruction in 1953 by Caroe and Partners, which introduced new features.

The church holds monuments including a brass plate for Richard Prate from 1487 and a marble effigy of Alexander King from 1618, testament to local families. These pieces are woven into the fabric of the space and show how the community has honored its past members over time.

The building is normally open for services held on Sundays, followed by refreshments and gatherings in the parish hall. Visitors should check whether tours or access to the interior outside of services is available, as availability can vary depending on events.

The building sustained damage during the 1940 London air raids and received unexpected renovations from architect Caroe and Partners. This reconstruction brought modern elements into a medieval structure, creating an unusual blend of different periods.

Location: London Borough of Barnet

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: https://stmaryatfinchley.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.59970,-0.19772

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08