St Martin-in-the-Fields Audio Guide
The St Martin-in-the-Fields 300 Heritage Project has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to put on a special exhibition, undertake a variety of community projects and outreach activities and make more of St Martin’s story available online.
Listen to the story of St Martin’s church and parish, from Roman times to present day, as told by our tour guide, Steve.
Bring your headphones to listen. Move to the locations described below before starting each recording.
Please be aware of your surroundings when walking around and keep your belongings safe. Please be considerate of others when you are inside the church and don’t walk around if there is a service or concert happening.
There is free WiFi in the crypt and church.
Our Collections page contains further information about the artworks or memorials in and around the church.
Steve takes in-person, free tours of the church every Wednesday at 2pm. All are welcome.
Church Porch: The Early History of St Martin's
Begin your tour on the church porch, looking out onto London's iconic Trafalgar Square.
Centre Aisle: The 1726 Church
Walk into the church and face the altar and east window. Listen to this recording in the centre aisle, facing the marvellous window by Shirazeh Houshiary and Pip Horne.
North East of the Altar: Music and Broadcasting
Walk towards the altar and stand on the left hand side (north side), by the sculpture of St Martin and the Beggar. See the statue of the church's patron saint, and hear how the church has adapted its space for new music and technology.
South East: Taking a Stand
Walk to the back of the church, and go to the south side, by the Victims of Injustice and Violence sculpture. Learn about St Martin's participation in the struggle against South African Apartheid and global injustice.
Church Path: A Parish Church
Head outside and turn right, walk down Church Path. Play this recording while admiring the church's exterior and auxiliary buildings.
The Crypt: Bodies and Business
Go into the glass entrance pavilion on Church Path and head downstairs into the crypt. Enter the church's 300 year-old crypt and hear how its use has evolved over the centuries in response to war and community needs, and see the last remnants of the previous Tudor St Martin's church.
The Lower Crypt: A Place to Belong
Leave the crypt and walk back towards the shop. With your back to the shop, walk straight ahead, and down a flight of stairs to the lightwell. End your tour with this final recording standing in the lower crypt, a vibrant hub of activity.