Help to Open the Gateway

and share a place in history

February 2012 Update

I write as the builders are finishing work on the new gateway centre! The lift is installed and carpets laid so very soon the builders will no longer be on site. We feel that the alterations have enhanced the beauty of St Martin Ludgate and improved the acoustics and light – but I hope you will have the opportunity to judge for yourselves very soon.

The scaffolding came down on the day of our first Christmas carol service – just in time! We worked hard dusting the church so as to be ready for our many Christmas carol services and were very pleased with the appearance of the new centre from the church. Our visitors in December were very favourably impressed.

We expect the church to re-open to the public on Monday 6th February. I am beginning to network with potential counsellors and we are intending to arrange a formal opening event later in the year to which you will be invited. Meanwhile we are starting work on the task of fitting out the new centre and working towards becoming fully operational. You will shortly be able to see pictures of the new centre on our website.

We are very grateful to all who have supported this project and are commemorating major donors in the new centre. There will inevitably be refurbishment and running costs as work begins in earnest and we will keep you informed as to progress.

In the meantime thank you again for your support and we look forward to celebrating our opening with you later in the year.

With many thanks again, Sue Gent

Will you continue the heritage of past centuries, and help to ensure that St Martin’s is here to serve future generations?

How to make a donation
Download the Gateway Leaflet .pdf 2.4MB

St Martin’s-within-Ludgate

This historic church near St Paul’s stands on the site of the original west gate into the City of London, part of the Roman and medieval city walls.

Across the centuries, Ludgate Hill has seen a procession of great events. Visitors to the church have included Pepys, the Penn family and Pocahontas! Literary links include Shakespeare, Malory, Boswell, Coleridge and Dickens. Next door stood the famed London Coffee House, where Benjamin Franklin and friends debated major issues of the day. The area became an early centre of publishing.

After centuries of change, St Martin’s continues its role as an historic haven of peace from busy City life, with services, recitals and a chance to sit in quiet reflection. We are now seeking to ensure the church’s future and provide counselling space.

The Gateway Centre

Exciting plans for the renewal of St Martin’s will see the unused first-floor gallery  transformed into the Gateway Centre, a multi-purpose space with meeting rooms and affordable counselling services to benefit the local community of residents and City workers of all faiths and none.

Opening up this historic building to wider public use will involve careful alterations to create disabled access and to restore the two side doors in keeping with Sir Christopher Wren’s 17th century designs.

All this will help to ensure the future of this building, a link with Ludgate’s important past. Much-needed plans are well advanced, using glass panels and improved lighting in harmony with the existing architecture and in consultation with heritage authorities.

We are now seeking donations to meet a target fund of £250,000. Major donors will be commemorated in an original artwork/plaque in the Gateway Centre.