Church Of St Mary Le Strand

TQ 3080 NE CITY OF WESTMINSTER STRAND, WC2 73/13 24.2.58 Church of St Mary- Le-Strand G.V. I Church. 1714-17 by James Gibbs. Portland stone. Exceptional treatment of island site, the design directly reflecting Gibbs' first hand experience of Rome as well as references to Wren at St Paul's. 7-bay sides, 3-bay west front and apsidal east end. Superimposed orders, Corinthian over Ionic, the latter developed into bowed porch (with finialed semi-dome) to west front,above which the centre bay has pairs of columns and pediment, the tower and steeple rising above in 3 diminishing stages. The "ground floor" level to sides has alternate segmental and triangular pedimented niches whilst the upper register has similar narrow end bays but Venetian window theme between,with alternate bays tabernacled with segmental and triangular pediments against balustraded parapet surmounted by urn finials. Aisleless interior with the apse framed by superimposed orders of coupled columns,and coupled columns carrying balcony over west door. Panelled walls with pilasters to upper register and coffered ceiling. Architecture in Britain 1530-1830: John Summerson. London Vol. I; N Pevsner.

Listing NGR: TQ3077980930