London - St Mary-le-Strand Church

The church of St Mary-le-Strand stands in the middle of the Strand opposite Somerset House, within easy reach of the Victoria Embankment, which runs along the north bank of the Thames between Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge. Just along the Strand to the east is the church of St Clement Danes, and beyond this is Fleet Street, with the Temple immediately adjoining. St Mary-le-Strand, a masterpiece of Baroque church architecture, was built by James Gibbs in 1714-17. Finely and rigorously proportioned, it is notable for its graceful steeple and unusual coffered ceiling.