The Curious Case of the King and the Architect: James Gibbs

Vicar of St. Mary-le-Strand, Peter Babington will talk about James Gibbs and his design of the church and his subsequent dismissal.
About this Event

The architect James Gibbs (1682-1754) was a Scot who became Surveyor to the New Churches Commission in London, but was dismissed in 1715 because of his sympathies to the Stuart cause. His dismissal coincided with failed Jacobite rising of the same year. His only completed project as Surveyor was St. Mary-le-Strand, a design which includes hidden references to Jacobite symbolism and the Pretender to the throne. St. Mary-le-Strand, located a few hundred metres from the original site of Temple Bar, was described by Simon Jenkins as ‘the finest 18th century church in London’. In spite of this background Gibbs went on to design St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square and the Radcliife Camera in Oxford.

Gibbs was clearly not put off supporting the Jacobite cause by the heads of its supporters which were ‘spiked’ above the Temple Bar arch.

In memory of the three members of the Manchester Regiment of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army, whose heads were impaled on Temple Bar in 1746, Piper Cliff Hall will play a programme of laments from 5.30pm-6.00pm.

Peter Babington, vicar of St. Mary-le-Strand and Stewart Trotter (theatre director, writer and writer of the blog, The Shakespeare Code) will talk about Gibbs’ design and its relevance today.

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Please note: Temple Bar will be open for ticket holders from 18:05, please arrive in good time to be checked in and seated by 18:25. Our public talks start at promptly at 18:30.