Official St Martins in the Field Web Site
Located at the northeast corner odf the square is the church of st martins in the field, the oldest building in trafalgar square built in 1724 by a scottish architech, james gibbs when this venue was litereally in fields outside the city, this is the parish church of the royal family and was so fassionable in the 18th century that pews where rented out on an annual basis. Nell gwynne, mistress of charles 2nd is one of several famouse people buried here.
The crypt which houses a soup kitchen for the homless a cafe, gallery and a brass rubbing centre were an air raid shelter in world war 2. the church is renowed for its classical concerts held at lunch times and in the evenings. Because of its prominent position, St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of the most famous non-cathedral churches in London. Its ethos as the "Church of the Ever Open Door" (a title coined by Dick Sheppard, Vicar in the early 20th Century when the work with homeless people was started) continues today, even though it is not possible for it literally to be the case. It is famous for its work with homeless people through The Connection at St Martin's which shares with The Vicar's Relief Fund the money raised each year by the BBC Radio 4 Appeal's Christmas appeal.
The church is also known for its regular lunchtime and evening concerts: many ensembles perform there, including the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields which was co-founded by Sir Neville Marriner and John Churchill, the then Master of Music at St Martin's. There is a popular Café in the Crypt, where jazz concerts are held. All profits from this go to the work of the church. The crypt is also home to the London Brass Rubbing Centre, an art gallery and a book and gift shop. In January 2006 work began on a £36 million renewal project. The project includes cleaning and renewing the church itself as well as provision of facilities for visitors, music, parish and social care, which encompass not only the church's crypt but also a row of buildings to the north and some significant new underground spaces in between. The funding includes a grant of £15.35 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The church and crypt have now reopened, the work having been completed in summer 2008. As part of the public fundraising, it is possible to sponsor a pane of glass and 'Give light to St Martin's'. Twelve historic bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields make part of the Swan Bells monument in Perth, Western Australia.
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