St Clement Danes
Central Church of the Royal Air Force Strand London
Bernard Gribble, Oilette postcard (note the Australian flag)
Name
St Clement Danes
Connection
A church with strong historical connections with Australia, e.g. regular ANZAC day services were held throughout the 1920s and 30s.
Location
Central Church of the Royal Air Force, Strand, London WC2R 1DH
How to get there
Nearest underground station: Temple (District and Circle Lines)
Story
St Clement Danes is one of two ‘island’ churches in London (the other being St Mary-le-Strand). It sits opposite Australia House and outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand. The first church on the site was reputedly founded in the 9th century by the Danes, hence the name. The current building, designed by Christopher Wren, was completed in 1682 but was bombed heavily and gutted during The Second World War. It remained a ruin until its restoration in 1958. It then took on its present role as the Central Church of the Royal Air Force.
St Clement Danes front view
St Clement Danes sits facing Australia House and has witnessed that building’s construction, as well as other Australian connections in London.