This Wren church is among the two built in Westminster rather than London proper, and it is unique in that it is not built on the site of an earlier church. It was badly damaged in an air raid in October 1940 and was restored by Sir Albert Richardson in 1954.
In the late seventeenth century fashionable new estates were being developed in the open area which is now the West End. St James’ was built to serve one of these. (The name ‘Piccadilly’ is of somewhat older origin, being derived from the pickadils or ruffs worn by dandies in the early Stuart period.) Henry Jermyn, the builder, retained Christopher Wren as architect. Wren developed in St James something of the ideal church, large enough to hold 2,000 people but small enough so that all could see and hear the preacher. It is elegantly proportioned and graceful inside and out. The best view is from the slightly lower elevation of Jermyn Street opposite Piccadilly, as the estate was on that side.
Originally this church possessed several furnishings carved by the famous Grinling Gibbons and three of these, the organ case, the reredos (or altar backing) and white marble font, were stored elsewhere during the blitz. They are now back in their places, and well worth stepping inside to see. Notice also the modern stained glass (1954) in the east window. The scenes are of our Lord’s life and passion. Visitors entering from the Piccadilly side will find a pleasant Garden of Remembrance. This was created from the bombed churchyard at the expense of newspaper proprietor Lord Southwood to commemorate the courage of the people of London.