A Landmark for Limehouse
Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor during 1712-1724 and consecrated in 1730, St Anne’s Limehouse is one of the great masterpieces of English Baroque architecture. This awe-inspiring Grade 1 listed building is located in a conservation area in the heart of Limehouse.
The church has a rich maritime history. Its imposing 50m tower was designed as a landmark visible to shipping on the Thames. Its clock, resting on the tower, is the highest clock on any London church and has a special maritime design which underlines the strong historical ties between the church and the Royal Navy. It chimed every 15 minutes to help guide the 6000 ships that used the Limehouse docks daily.
Over the clock is a golden ball, used as a navigation mark by ships sailing on the Thames. Its proximity to the Thames made it a convenient registry for sea captains. Therefore, Queen Anne allowed the church to display the White Ensign, which is the second most senior flag of the Royal Navy, and to this day it is always displayed at the top of the tower.