Reconstructing St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force

St Clement Danes Church, situated in the middle of the Strand, has been around since the 9th century but the building we recognise today was masterfully designed by the celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren in 1682 with the steeple being added by James Gibb in 1719.

During the Blitz, St Clement Danes suffered a devastating blow from an incendiary bomb, leaving only the outer walls and the tower standing. For over a decade, the church lay abandoned until a global appeal led to its restoration. In 1958, St Clement Danes was re-consecrated as the central church of the Royal Air Force, with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance.

However, the tower was not refurbished, and in the intervening years, has started to decay. The iron cramps have rusted and deteriorated causing the stone to jack and crack causing sections to fall away, thus posing a significant safety hazard.

Working with numerous stakeholders on the project, including Trustees, Diocesan Advisory Committees, and Westminster City Council, this project will see the removal, cleaning, repair, and reinstatement of all masonry on the steeple. Replacement of all corroded ferrous cramps and restraints, renewal of lead capping and lighting conductor tape, restoration of the weathervane, and rebuilding of the steeple. All while the church remains open.