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.