Christianity in Greenwich goes back to 968, and a church has stood since 1012 on the
traditional site of the martyrdom of St Alfege. In his sixth year as
Archbishop of Canterbury, Alfege was taken hostage by
Viking raiders and murdered on 19 April.
13th century
A new church was built around 1290. Cardinal Morton was vicar 1444-1454;
King Henry VIII was baptised here in 1491; and Thomas Tallis - the "Father
of English Church Music" - was buried here in 1585. But the building,
undermined by burials, collapsed in a great storm in 1710.
18th century
This church, the third on this site, was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor,
who trained under Sir Christopher Wren, working with him on the Greenwich
Royal Naval College. It was dedicated in 1718. The medieval tower was
strengthened and refurbished in 1730 by John James of Greenwich. It
continued to be associated with celebrated personalities: John Flamsteed -
the first Astronomer Royal - worshipped here; General Wolfe - the hero of
Quebec - was buried here; John Julius Angerstein - the inspiration for
Lloyd's insurance - was Churchwarden; and General Gordon - overwhelmed by
the Mahdi at Khartoum - was baptised here.
20th century
The church suffered extensive fire damage from bombing in World War II.
It was rededicated in 1953.
21st century
Greenwich in 2012 will celebrate not only the Olympic Games but also the first millennium of this site made sacred by the martyrdom of Alfege.
Please help us to keep
St Alfege open for others
Charities Aid Foundation Online
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS 2010
Sunday 7 February, 10:00: Eucharist, The Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Woolwich
24 February-24 March inclusive, 20:00: Lent talks on Modern Martyrs
Charities Aid Foundation Online
![[Music for divine service this month at St Alfege]](../images/music-month-link.gif "[Music for services this month at St Alfege]")