St Etheldreda’s Church is just a stone’s throw from the noise and bustle of modern day London and it is hemmed in by the glittering wealth of Hatton Garden, where gold, silver and diamonds are traded and millions of pounds change hands daily. But amid the clamour of mammon, there stands this hidden ancient gem, a spiritual sanctuary of the Middle Ages, a haven of peace and tranquillity.
St Etheldreda’s Church was the town chapel of the Bishops of Ely from about 1250 to 1570. It is the oldest Catholic church in England and one of only two remaining buildings in London from the reign of Edward I. It was once one of the most influential places in London with a palace of vast grounds. It was like an independent state, the Bishop of Ely’s place in London or Ely Place as it is now called, and its chapel took its name from one of England’s most popular saints of the day, Etheldreda.
St Etheldreda’s Roman Catholic Church, 14 Ely Place, London EC1N 6RY
Ely Place is a cul-de-sac which comes off Charterhouse Street, a little way down the hill from the junction of Holborn Circus and Hatton Garden. There are some on street car parking spaces here.
UNDERGROUND:
The nearest underground stations are Chancery Lane (on the Central Line) and Farringdon (on the Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines).
TRAIN:
Farringdon is also on Thameslink, the overground service running between Bedford and Brighton.
BUS:
There are also numerous bus services close by. At Holborn Circus, you can catch the 8, 17, 25, 45, 46, 242 and 341. On Farringdon Road, you can catch the 63.