London - Chelsea Old Church

Chelsea Old Church, on the Thames embankment, was founded in the 13th century, several times altered in later centuries, severely damaged by bombing during World War II and excellently restored in 1952-58.

The More Chapel was restored by Sir Thomas More in 1528. Two Renaissance capitals on the arch leading into the chancel were probably designed by Holbein, who was a close friend of More's. In this church Henry VIII was secretly married to Jane Seymour a few days before the official marriage ceremony. There are numerous 17th and 18th century monuments, including that of Lady Jane Cheyne, by Paolo Bernini, on the north wall, and the tomb of the celebrated scientist, Sir Hans Sloane (d. 1753), in the southeast corner of the churchyard