St Mark's Church

Why is it significant?

St Mark's Church, a Victorian Gothic Revival sanctuary consecrated in 1853 near London Zoo, was rebuilt in 1957 after being gutted by a Blitz incendiary bomb in 1940. Nicknamed The Zoo Church due to its location between Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, architect Thomas Little originally designed it. Its restored interior features post-war stained glass created by Sir Ninian Comper and a rare Neapolitan organ built in 1763.

Key Facts

What to look for?

• Architect Thomas Little built St Mark's Church in London, which was consecrated in 1853.
• An incendiary bomb destroyed the roof and interior of St Mark's Church in September 1940.
• The rebuilt St Mark's Church reopened in 1957 following post-war restoration efforts.
• St Mark's Church houses post-war stained glass designed by Sir Ninian Comper and a 1763 Neapolitan organ.

Photo: Google

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Why is St Mark's Church in London nicknamed The Zoo Church?

Just steps away from the tranquil towpath of Regent's Canal stands St Mark's Church, a fine piece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Consecrated in eighteen fifty-three, it was built by architect Thomas Little to serve the blossoming, wealthy neighborhood between Regent's Park and Primrose Hill. Have you ever heard of a place called The Zoo Church? Because of its location right across from London Zoo, locals lovingly gave it that nickname. But its quiet history holds a dramatic past. On a night in September nineteen forty, an incendiary bomb struck during the Blitz. Fire gutted the original roof and interior, leaving only scorched stone walls. Yet the community refused to let their church vanish. Rebuilt in nineteen fifty-seven, St Mark's was restored with remarkable grace. If the doors are open, step inside to marvel at post-war stained glass by Sir Ninian Comper and a rare Neapolitan organ from seventeen sixty-three that still fills this sanctuary with music.