Church Of St Martin In The Fields

The Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields is a Grade I listed parish church located in Trafalgar Square, Westminster. It was built between 1722 and 1726 by architect James Gibbs. The church is constructed from Portland stone and features a leaded roof. Its design is notable for combining elements of a Vitruvian temple with a steeple, while incorporating a restrained use of Baroque details, which serves as a political contrast to St Mary-le-Strand.

The west front of the church features a giant Corinthian hexastyle portico with two columns deep, set on a podium of steps, and topped with a pediment-gable that continues the roofline. The portico is flanked by two additional bays on either side, with a staged tower and steeple rising behind it. The end bays are accentuated by giant Corinthian pilasters, and the returns are highlighted by giant Corinthian columns in antis. The body of the church consists of five bays with two tiers of semicircular arched "Gibbs surround" windows, culminating in a bay similar to that of the tower. A large Venetian window is located at the east end.

Inside, the church features a fine interior that draws inspiration from Wren's St Clement Danes and St James's Piccadilly, showcasing a giant order that supports arches and a segmental tunnel vault. The inevitable galleries butt into the column shafts. The chancel is narrower than the nave and includes a noteworthy feature of boxes on either side, with the Royal Pew located on the north side, set at an angle to transition between the nave and chancel. The interior also boasts fine plasterwork by Artari and Bagutti, along with various fittings and monuments, including lowered box-pews. The church was isolated by John Nash as part of his West Strand Improvements, integrating it into the overall composition of Trafalgar Square.