Crown Court Church facts for kids
The Crown Court Church is a special Church of Scotland building located right in the heart of London. It's a place where Scottish people, and others, have gathered for worship for a very long time.
Contents
History of Crown Court Church
The story of Scottish worship in London began way back in 1603. This was when King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England. This event is known as the Union of the Crowns. Some of his Scottish friends and helpers worshipped in a chapel near a place called Whitehall Palace. This area later became famous as "Scotland Yard", where London's police headquarters are now.
Building the Church
More clear records show that the Crown Court Church was officially started in 1711. It was built close to the famous Covent Garden area. The church building was largely rebuilt in 1909. However, it stayed in the exact same spot.
The outside of the church is quite hard to see. This is because it shares walls with other buildings around it. But once you step inside, it feels like you've gone back in time to the 1600s. This is true even though it was rebuilt in the early 1900s.
The church gets its name from a small courtyard next to it. It is also known as the "Kirk of the Crown of Scotland". "Kirk" is a Scottish word for church. This building has been officially protected since 1987. It is listed as a Grade II building on the National Heritage List for England.
Finding the Church
Crown Court Church is the older of the two main Church of Scotland groups in London. The other one is St Columba's in Knightsbridge. The entrance to Crown Court Church can be a bit tricky to find. It is on Russell Street, just off Covent Garden. You'll find it right next to the Fortune Theatre and across from the Theatre Royal.
Crown Court Church Today
The Reverend Scott Rennie is the current Minister of Crown Court Church. He started his role there on May 5, 2022.
See also
- St Columba's Church, London
- St. Paul's, Covent Garden (the local Church of England parish church)
- List of Church of Scotland parishes
- List of churches in London
- Nordic churches in London
