The church that played on under the big lights

St Mary of Eton, a Grade II* listed building on Eastway in Hackney Wick, London, is steeped in fascinating history. Established in 1880, Eton College launched the Eton Mission to provide social and religious support to the impoverished East End population. The project culminated in the construction of St Mary of Eton church in 1890-1892. However, its history goes beyond charity since it is known for being the founding location of the Church of England youth club, The 59 Club.

This venue, launched in 1893, has been a stepping stone for numerous famous musicians, such as The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, making it a cornerstone of East End history. In 1944, the Eton Mission buildings, including the church, were hit by a bomb. Following reparations and renovations, the church carried out a major refurbishment project in 2013-2014, which earned a RIBA National Award in 2015 for its sympathetic design. The refurbishment, which preserved the church’s charming red-brick façade and medieval Gothic architectural style, blends the centuries in a delightful harmony.

Today, the church serves as a sanctuary for the community, as well as a venue for memorable performances. St Mary of Eton is still an important part of East End culture and the pastime of musicians and history buffs alike.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons