St Olave's Church London
A rare medieval church in London, home to Samuel Pepys' tomb and unique 'St Ghastly Grim' gate. A peaceful sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy lunchtime recitals
St Olave's Church London
Best Time
Enjoy lunchtime recitals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare medieval church in London, home to Samuel Pepys' tomb and unique 'St Ghastly Grim' gate. A peaceful sanctuary.
"A peaceful feeling abides here. Beautiful stained glass windows. Small and quaint with a lot of history."
🎯 Look for the Skulls!
The churchyard gate is famously adorned with skulls, earning it the nickname 'St Ghastly Grim'.
🎶 Catch a Recital
Attend a Thursday lunchtime organ recital for a beautiful musical experience.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'St Ghastly Grim' Gate
Churchyard Entrance
A medieval gate with a skull motif, famously dubbed 'St Ghastly Grim' by Charles Dickens.
Samuel Pepys' Tomb
Churchyard
The final resting place of the famous diarist Samuel Pepys and his wife Elizabeth.
Medieval Architecture
Church Interior
One of London's few medieval churches, largely intact after the Great Fire of 1666.
Peaceful Churchyard
Churchyard
A tranquil garden graveyard offering a quiet respite amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hidden Medieval Gem
The 'St Ghastly Grim' Gate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for the Skulls!
The churchyard gate is famously adorned with skulls, earning it the nickname 'St Ghastly Grim'. +1
🎶 Catch a Recital
Attend a Thursday lunchtime organ recital for a beautiful musical experience.
🚶♀️ Near Tower of London
Conveniently located just minutes from the Tower of London, perfect for a combined visit.
🤫 Peaceful Escape
The churchyard offers a serene spot to relax and escape the city's noise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for the Skulls!
The churchyard gate is famously adorned with skulls, earning it the nickname 'St Ghastly Grim'. +1
🎶 Catch a Recital
Attend a Thursday lunchtime organ recital for a beautiful musical experience.
🚶♀️ Near Tower of London
Conveniently located just minutes from the Tower of London, perfect for a combined visit.
🤫 Peaceful Escape
The churchyard offers a serene spot to relax and escape the city's noise.
📜 Dive into History
Explore the rich history, from Viking connections to Samuel Pepys and the Great Fire. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St Olave's Church for its historical significance as a surviving medieval gem, its peaceful churchyard, and the unique 'St Ghastly Grim' gate. The lunchtime recitals are a highlight, offering beautiful music in a serene setting. Some find it a bit small, but its historical depth and tranquil atmosphere are widely appreciated.
"The Rector is a man of God. You feel it in his countenance. He is friendly, kind, and caring. Took a genuine interest in me. I am a church organist and he allowed me up to see the organ and play. He invited me back for a classical concert (Haydn & Schumann) which I gladly returned for. A peaceful feeling abides here. Beautiful stained glass windows. Small and quaint with a lot of history."
Frau M
"St Olaves is one of the few examples of mediaeval churches that existed before the Great Fire of London in 1666, the present building was built around 1450, with churches having been on the site from. The fire was raging towards it and got to within 100 metres and then the wind changed direction! However, the second world war was not so kind and the building was badly damaged and was the restored in the 1950s to what it remains today. The church has a range of connections to nationalities and people. Wikipedia has a good history of the church, which identifies some notable patrons. Sir William Penn who helped save the church in 1666 by ordering his men to blow up the houses around the church to create a barrier from the Great Fire.
Samuel Pepys: the famous diarist was a regular worshipper and called St Olaves as ‘our own church’. Both he and his wife are buried in the graveyard.
Charles Dickens: is thought to have been inspired by the church and included it in ‘Uncommercial Traveller’ describing it as ‘St Ghastly Grim’.
Norway: the church is dedicated to the patron saint of Norway, King Olaf II of Norway and it is said that the well in the crypt has some aspect of the saint in it! After the ‘blitz’ restoration was completed, in 1954, King Haakon VII of Norway presided over the rededication ceremony and laid a stone from Trondheim Cathedral in front of the sanctuary.
America: ‘in the tower, there is a memorial with an American connection. It honours Monkhouse Davison and Abraham Newman, the grocers of Fenchurch Street who shipped crates of tea to Boston in late 1773. These crates were seized and thrown into the waters during the Boston Tea Party, one of the causes of the American War of Independence.’
It is a modest parish church in the centre of a global metropolis, ‘a sanctuary in the city’. Wonderfully, in such a densely populated area, there is a very well-maintained garden graveyard attached with benches and some very well looked after grassed areas and well-tended roses.
If you liked this review, please 'Like' it!"
Fred Suckling
"What an interesting Church! Just down the street from our hotel we found this little gem! I walked by the Church several times before I noticed the three human skulls adorning the entrance into the courtyard! I went closer to get a better look and to my utter surprise I found that none other than Mother Goose was buried here! I did a double take and had to take some pictures to prove to myself that I wasn’t imagining it! If you’re ever in the area, check it out! 😃👍"
Patrick Prentice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Olave's Church is located at 8 Hart Street, London EC3R 7NB. It's easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) and Monument (Circle, District, and Waterloo & City lines), both a short walk away. Buses also serve the area frequently. +1
Yes, St Olave's Church is very close to the Tower of London, just a few minutes' walk away. This makes it a convenient stop if you're visiting the Tower.
Yes, Monument station is a short walk from St Olave's Church. It's a pleasant stroll through the City of London, allowing you to see more of the area.
Several bus routes stop near St Olave's Church, including those serving Fenchurch Street and Tower Hill. Check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date routes and stops.
Parking in the City of London can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport to reach St Olave's Church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St Olave's Church is typically free, as it is a working parish church. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep.
Opening hours can vary, but the church is generally open during daylight hours on weekdays. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or during a service.
The churchyard is usually accessible during daylight hours and is free to enter. It's a public space for quiet reflection.
Yes, you can visit during services, but please be respectful of worshippers. Some areas might be restricted during services. Check the church's schedule for service times.
St Olave's Church occasionally hosts events, including lunchtime organ recitals on Thursdays. It's worth checking their notice boards or website for any upcoming events.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
St Olave's Church is famous for being one of the few medieval churches in London to survive the Great Fire of 1666, its unique 'St Ghastly Grim' churchyard gate, and being the burial place of diarist Samuel Pepys. +2
The 'St Ghastly Grim' gate is the medieval entrance to the churchyard, notable for its skull decorations. It was given this nickname by Charles Dickens. +1
Yes, Samuel Pepys and his wife Elizabeth are buried in the churchyard of St Olave's Church. Their tomb is a significant point of interest for visitors. +1
The church interior is generally accessible, though it is a historic building. The churchyard is also accessible and offers a peaceful place to sit.
The church has connections to Viking history (dedicated to St Olaf II of Norway), Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens, and even the American Revolution through a memorial to merchants involved in the Boston Tea Party. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being in the City of London, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants near St Olave's Church. Many office workers grab lunch nearby, and you can find options ranging from quick bites to more formal dining.
While the church itself is a place of worship, the churchyard is a public space where visitors often bring sandwiches to enjoy during lunchtime recitals. It's best to be discreet and tidy up after yourself.
You'll find a variety of cuisines in the vicinity, including traditional British pubs, international options, and quick service eateries catering to the business district.
Many establishments in the City of London offer outdoor seating, especially during warmer months. Exploring the streets around Hart Street will reveal several options.
Prices can vary greatly. You can find budget-friendly options like sandwich shops and cafes, as well as more upscale restaurants. Lunchtime deals are common for those working in the area.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside churches is often permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any signs or ask a church official. Be mindful of services and other visitors.
The 'St Ghastly Grim' gate with its skulls is a unique photo opportunity. The church's exterior architecture and the peaceful churchyard also make for great shots. +1
Yes, you can take photos of Samuel Pepys' tomb in the churchyard. It's a popular spot for history enthusiasts.
Drone photography is generally restricted in central London, especially near historic buildings and busy areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric photos. The churchyard can be particularly photogenic in the golden hour.
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