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St Matthew's Bethnal Green is considered a church of outstanding special interest.

On Easter Day 1727 St Mary Woolnoth of the nativity was reopened after it’s rebuilding by Nicholas Hawksmoor, which took 12 years and was paid for from the proceeds of the tax on sea borne coal.

One of the few surviving medieval City churches in London, the foundation date of the church is unknown, but it was first recorded in 1250 as the church of St Adelburga the Virgin.

The church lies over the remains of the Basilica, the northern most part of the great Roman Forum built in the first century AD.

When Wren rebuilt this 12th century church in 1681-86, he employed some of the greatest craftsmen of his age.

The present church contains a fragment of a 13th century nuns choir that was constructed alongside a pre-existing parish church, which explains its unusual shape.

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin was engaged as architect and it was considered the most important Catholic Church in England when it was built from 1839, seating about 3,000 people. 

Built in 1729 it has for most of its life been homed to a committed worshipping Christian community, yet every week 1000s of tourists, pilgrims and visitors also enjoy our church building.

Bethnal Green Mission Church forms the heart of an elegant new urban block, which includes a community centre, cafe and apartments.

The original church, founded in the early 12th century, was one of the first buildings to be destroyed by the Great Fire as it stood just 300m (1000ft) from Pudding Lane.