We welcome visitors during the Open House Festival.
St Olave Hart Street is a Great Fire Survivor, damaged in the blitz, the post war restoration of this fascinating building began 75 years ago this year. Described by John Betjeman as a ‘country church in the world of Seething Lane’ the building uniquely blends medieval fabric with Festival of Britain era motifs. Explore the medieval crypt and ‘Pepys’ vestry – both of which survived both the Great Fire and the blitz! Founded nearly 1,000 years ago, this remarkable place is full of equally remarkable stories, some of which we hope to share with you during your visit.
Please note that opening and access arrangements on Saturday 12th September will be slightly different from our other Open House days.
Saturday 12th September 2026
Our doors will open at 12.30pm. Between 12.30pm and 1.45pm, and again from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, we will be able to offer limited guided tours. Between 2pm and 4.30pm, self-guided visits to the crypt chapel and churchyard will be possible while we welcome the Monumental Brass Society for its autumn lectures. Open House visitors are very welcome to attend the lectures, free of charge.
12.30pm — Doors open
Refreshments will be available. Visitors will be able to explore the whole church, crypt chapel and Pepys Vestry.
1.55pm — Main church closes for general visiting
We will welcome the Monumental Brass Society for its autumn lectures. Self-guided visits to the crypt chapel and churchyard will remain possible, and Open House visitors are very welcome to attend the lectures.
2.00pm — Monumental Brass Society Lectures
Nicholas Rogers — ‘But the plates of memory are gone’: visualising the church of St Olave Hart Street on the eve of the ReformationMichael Harris — The Brasses of St Olave Hart Street
Questions followed by a tea break.
Penny Ritchie Calder — Restoring the Memorial of Peter Capponi
4.30pm — Lectures conclude
The whole church will once again be available for self-guided visits and limited guided tours.
5.30pm — Church closes to visitors.
