The Former Ark Of The Covenant

The Former Ark of the Covenant is a Victorian church building in Upper Clapton with a west tower, a spire, and sculptures of the four evangelists on its exterior. The facade features elaborate wrought ironwork at its entrance, while the interior now houses an iconostasis installed during later modifications.

The building was constructed between 1892 and 1895 by Joseph Morris & Sons and originally served an Agapemonite sect. It later passed to different religious groups, including an Old Catholic congregation, before becoming the Georgian Orthodox cathedral it is today.

The building served multiple religious communities and now displays Eastern Orthodox features such as iconostasis screens and Byzantine art elements visible inside. These visual changes reflect the different faith traditions that found a home here over the decades.

The building sits on Rookwood Road near Clapton Common and retains its original exterior form. Visitors should know the interior remains an active place of worship where religious services take place, so checking visiting times beforehand is helpful.

The iconostasis, a screen with religious images, sits on top of earlier wall mosaics and apse patterns designed by artist Walter Crane. These hidden layers show how religious communities reshaped their spaces over time to match their own faith practices.

Location: London Borough of Hackney

GPS coordinates: 51.57340,-0.06674

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05