Place

‘The Parish of St Paul’s Shadwell with St James, Ratcliff’ (SPS) is situated in the eastern part of Wapping in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Nestled within it’s beautiful gardens and backing on to the open water of the London Docks, the current church building dates from 1820. It is located on the Thames River Path, equidistant between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. The area is well served by the Overground Line and the Docklands Light Railway as well as The Highway, a busy road route into central London. Opposite the church, across the courtyard, is the stunning and historic SPS House.

The parish has its origins in the 17th Century, serving the sailors and residents of the working docks. St Paul’s was traditionally known as the Church of Sea Captains. Captain James Cook baptised his children and worshipped here, as did Jane Randolph, mother of Thomas Jefferson. Records show that John Wesley preached several times and it is thought that his last ever sermon was delivered from our pulpit.

The Church 

Needing a space for large meetings, concerts, conferences, lectures or a rehearsal space? Well we have just the place!

Our church is a flexible, open plan set up with seating for 250 guests on the ground floor with an additional 150 spaces for guests in the 1st floor galleries. It is a classic Georgian Style church built in 1820 and is equipped with both stage and mood lighting options, sound equipment and projection. We are able to provide disability access to the church, and there is a kitchen and bathrooms.

Want to know more? Why not come and check it out.

The Church
Crypt

Like our church, the crypt is another flexible space that can cater for both large events and also smaller ones. The space has 4 separate rooms with doors that can either enlarge or reduce the space where needed.

Each room can hold 15-25 people comfortably, but in total it can hold over 100 people at one time. The crypt is great for weddings/children’s parties, meetings, classes, groups and film crews.

The space also includes bathrooms, showers, and a kitchen fitted with a commercial range hood, two electric ovens with 6 hobs, a microwave, countertop space and a dishwasher. This added facility is great if you need to make/heat food for your meeting.

Please note that the Crypt does not currently have disability access.