Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral

The London audio-guided tour invites you to quiet contemplation before Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church of the city. Built in 1220, it watches over the south bank of the Thames and houses a rich literary and historical memory.

A sanctuary linked to Shakespeare

The cathedral pays tribute to the playwright William Shakespeare, who lived in the district, by dedicating a memorial and a stained-glass window to him. Some of his stage companions rest within these walls. It was also here that John Harvard, founder of the prestigious Harvard University in the United States, was baptised. These links make Southwark a place of cultural memory as much as of faith.

What there is to see

The Gothic building, with its soaring vaults, its stained-glass windows and its choir, invites silence and contemplation. The Shakespeare memorial, surmounted by its stained-glass window, is one of the highlights of the visit. A living place of worship in the heart of a lively district, the cathedral offers a peaceful interlude, to be discovered with respect, a stone's throw from Borough Market and the Globe.

Practical information

Southwark Cathedral stands on the south bank of the Thames, near Borough Market, in London. An active place of worship, it is visited with respect for the contemplation of the faithful; access is generally free during opening hours, which may vary according to services. Appropriate dress is appreciated.

How long has Southwark Cathedral existed?

Built in 1220, it is the oldest Gothic church in London.

What links does the cathedral have with Shakespeare?

It dedicates a memorial and a stained-glass window to him, and some of his stage companions are buried there; the district was linked to the playwright.