St Alfege Church

About

A thousand years of history The church is built on the site where St Alfege was killed by the Danes in 1012 AD. Forget 1066. History at St Alfege Church begins in 1012, when Danish warriors killed a hostage they had taken during their raid on Canterbury. The murder of Alfege, Archbishop of Canterbury, here in Greenwich led to the building of the first church. It was rebuilt in the 13th century, and later, with Greenwich Palace not far away, was lucky enough to have Thomas Tallis as church organist. When the roof collapsed, the medieval church was replaced in 1718 by the present building, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor - apart from the tower, which was remodelled by local architect John James. Bombing in the Second World War led to a second roof collapse, and a wholesale restoration. The church was rededicated in 1953. Among the extraordinary cast of characters buried in the crypt and graveyard is General Wolfe, victor of Quebec. Heritage at St Alfege Church is as much about the li

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes