St Clement Danes, the Royal Air Force Church, London

On an island in London's busy street, the Strand, is a church dedicated to the Royal Air Force. Although not large it holds a place of some importance in English history and present day society. There has been a house of worship here since the 9th century, and probably before, as churches were frequently built on sites of pre-Christian worship. The first Christian church on this site is believed to have been built by the Danes, hence the name of St Clement Danes. Rebuilt several times through history the church as it looks today is from the design of Sir Christopher Wren, who was responsible for many buildings and churches in London after the Great Fire in 1666. St Paul’s Cathedral was built by Wren. When London was bombed during the Second World War, the interior of the church burnt completely and the roof was destroyed, but the walls and tower withstood the blaze. After the war, funds were raised by the Royal Air Force and the church was restored.

The Royal Air Force Spiritual Home

The floor is of white tile inlaid with the badges of every RAF division. The walls are decorated with military plaques, royal and military banners , a list of Air Force Victoria Cross recipients, and the Books of Remembrance These books name those who have lost their lives in service to Great Britain’s air forces, from the early days of balloonists to the current time. There are over 125,000 names in these volumes, and the little church has become a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to see their family members honored in this way.

Structure and Services

The church is on three floors, with a balcony, the main floor and a crypt below. The crypt is a good place for quiet meditation, or to wait for a service to end before looking around the church. The church is open daily from 9am until 4pm. Regular services are held on Wednesday and Friday at 12.30pm and on Sunday at 11am. A Roman Catholic Mass is held in the Crypt on the first Tuesday of the month. The Sunday service is accompanied by the renowned choir, who also sing at special memorial services.

Other Curious Facts

St Clement Danes is mentioned in the children’s rhyme Oranges and Lemons, and the bells sing out the first line four times a day. One of the church bells dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, being cast in 1588, the year the Spanish Armada attempted to invade England. The grand organ was donated by members of the United States Air Force, although it was made in England.